It’s been quite a while since I published a “live” postcard-type piece, but this current trip to Coimbra, Portugal’s oldest (and Europe’s third-oldest) university city has drawn me to the keyboard.
Incredible to think, that we have been living on the Iberian Peninsula (on our finca in southern Andalusia and in Gibraltar) for well over thirty years and had never set foot in Portugal. It was not for want of coming, but somehow the necessary stars never quite aligned, until now. It’s even more extraordinary, when one realises that our very first trip abroad together – our belated unofficial honeymoon, in effect, back in 1990, was to the island of Madeira, which we loved.
Anyway, we’re here now, and in the spirit of past “postcard” posts, without any more ado, here is a selection of captioned photos from a town that combines elegant charm and faded shabbiness with nonchalant ease – one might even say, with Portug-ease…
The “Tricana” statue, depicts a working-class girl with her water pitcher. Back in the day, before the advent of running water, this was how the poor collected their water from the town wells. The streets of the old town are narrow and steep, and presumably the girl is taking a well-earned rest…
The old Cathedral of the town, set in a small square, about two-thirds up the hill upon which most of the central old town is perched…
Most of the upper hill, and virtually all of the top plateau comprises the large university campus, old and new. Fortunately, the not very artistic graffiti was restricted to the new…
The new cathedral, integrated into the university campus on top of the hill…
One of the several highly ornate gateways spread across the campus…
Undoubtedly, one the most elaborate campuses I have ever visited and this is its Royal Palace – presumably for regal students?
Coimbra University’s Academic Prison, for badly behaved students –The way things are going these days, most of our elite academic institutions could do with one of these…
An impressive view of the Mondego River (the largest / longest river contained within Portugal’s border), from the university plateau…
Leaving the main campus on the plateau, one passes the charming Capela de Santo António…
The old cathedral, from a different angle…
On a different note completely, on our last evening in Coimbra, we passed the volunteer fire station (there are three levels of firefighter in Portugal). The old engines were so enticing we sneaked in for a closer peak, only to be met by an amiable young fireman who gave us a guided tour of the station and the engines. This one, an old Mercedes, dated from the 1920’s and was our favourite. If Keystone Firemen had existed, this would have been the perfect vehicle for them. Dido even got to ring the bell! Coimbra was full of pleasant surprises.
Wow, that was some trip to Portugal. Coimbra certainly looks steeped in history and the students who were fortunate enough to go there were so fortunate to be studying within those walls.
Do hope you both enjoyed your trip and Dido can rest before taking off for somewhere new. Thank you Adam for sending news of your trip to me. Plrase keep in touch.
I never knew an “academic prison” existed anywhere at any time. 🤔
We have been on many cruises that stopped in Portugal, including Madeira and other islands and loved them all [Madeira at Christmas is worth your going back to celebrate some anniversary]. Using the search function on my blog, you might find a bunch of places worth another visit to Portugal.
Thanks for the suggestion Ray, and I will definitely do as you suggest as we intend to do a lot more exploration of this fabulous little country. And yes, the academic prison took me by surprise too!!
ARKS, ADAM AND AXARQUIA 
lovely country!
it’s only been 4 years since I applied for citizenship… the bureacracy is muito lento!
or maybe they’ve just changed their minds!!
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Wow, that was some trip to Portugal. Coimbra certainly looks steeped in history and the students who were fortunate enough to go there were so fortunate to be studying within those walls.
Do hope you both enjoyed your trip and Dido can rest before taking off for somewhere new. Thank you Adam for sending news of your trip to me. Plrase keep in touch.
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I’m so glad you enjoyed the post Micki, and I will definitely stay in touch!
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I never knew an “academic prison” existed anywhere at any time. 🤔
We have been on many cruises that stopped in Portugal, including Madeira and other islands and loved them all [Madeira at Christmas is worth your going back to celebrate some anniversary]. Using the search function on my blog, you might find a bunch of places worth another visit to Portugal.
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Thanks for the suggestion Ray, and I will definitely do as you suggest as we intend to do a lot more exploration of this fabulous little country. And yes, the academic prison took me by surprise too!!
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Thoroughly lovely series of photos and narration. Makes me want to visit Coimbra. ~Ed.
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You should!
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