Exploring Coimbra

We had only one full day in Coimbra, so we wanted to make the most of it. We set out after a small breakfast provided by our hosts and headed downhill to Rio Mondego for some views back across the river to the old town. We wandered up Rua Ferreira, the largest pedestrian street in Coimbra and home to many shops, souvenir stands, bakeries and restaurants.

At the end of Rua Ferreira stands Igleja Santa Cruz, an imposing edifice with an equally impressive interior dating from 1131. After exploring the Igleja, we stopped by the Mercado Municipal, a huge semi-open air market with stalls selling produce, meat, seafood, clothing, and other wares.

To avoid a long, steep climb up to the university, we took a combination elevator/funicular that deposited us a few blocks from Sé Nova, so we took the opportunity to explore the extraordinary interior. We continued to the Universidade and purchased tickets for some of the places we wanted to visit.

The first stop was the Capela Sao Miguel, a small chapel in the old university with exceptional tile and gilt work. But the gem of the day was Biblioteca Joanina, a library containing books from the 12th century and a jaw-dropping main library which is an 18th century monument to Baroque opulence. Photos are not permitted in that part of the library, but please Google it for images. It’s indescribable,

We visited the old palace, then headed back down the hill for more exploration and a bit of shopping. We encountered Igleja São Tiogo, a 12th century Romanesque chapel that seems to pass most people by.

Here are some images of the day.

Old Coimbra looking across Rio Mondego.