We’d had a little taste of the University of Coimbra the evening before, but today was the day for touring it. The university is the most prestigious in Portugal and one of the oldest in Europe, founded in 1290. 

The night before, I booked an 11:20am entry for the Biblioteca Joanina. 

Finding an elevator and funicular to save myself climbing the hill in the 95f heat, I arrived at the legendary library right on time. 

The three rooms with balconies are lined with oak and exotic wood shelves, holding more than 60,000 rare 16th to 18th century books. One of the most breathtaking rooms I’ve ever seen. Unfortunately, photography of any sort is forbidden! So here’s a photo from Wikipedia:

Continuing on with the university tour, I entered the Great Hall of Acts, the former throne room of the royal palace which was acquired by the university in 1597.  It’s in this stately room where students give dissertations to be judged by faculty sitting jury-style while fellow students look on from the rows. 

There is a catwalk overlooking Coimbra just outside the great hall with great views. 

I walked the Paço das Escolas courtyard these buildings surround, centered by a statue of King Dom João looking scholarly.  The ornate St Michael’s Chapel is here as well with its very unique organ.

I continued on through the campus, visiting the chemistry lab and academic museum.  It was fun to visit lecture halls that had been actively used in the last couple decades.  There was a nice display of student life as well. Portuguese university students wear black robes, and it was fun to see this throughout the town. A real-life Harry Potter.

With the sun still roasting, I chose a scenic and shady path down the hill to the river through the university’s botanical garden. 

After a couple hours rest back at the hotel, the group met up for a fun ride on the Mandego River on a traditional Portuguese river boat. The captain/guide Miguel was very funny, engaging and informative. 

We finished with a group Portuguese tasting dinner. There were many things to enjoy but as you can see from my face the sardines were not one of my favorites 🤣

This was my favorite day of the tour. Everything worked out perfectly and it was a full day of fun. On to Porto in the morning, but will treasure my time spent in Coimbra 😊