Coimbra Curiosities

From Tomar on to Coimbra, a university town, where we stayed for three nights. 

With just a short drive of under an hour, the day promised to be pretty cruisey. Coming into a large city (population 400,000 +) is always a little challenging but we were in luck - found a park close to our apartment (in a taxi rank as it later turned out). Then our luck ran out! It was a self check-in and the owner had previously emailed us the codes for entry. But,  I had failed to note them down. I had no internet at this stage as I was yet to buy a Portugal sim. We were using Adrian's roaming from Australia which was very hit and miss, and mostly miss. To cut a long story short... and without any internet between us, we went to the (wrong) address as I had seen an open door to the foyer. The cleaning lady was there, but it was Sophia Studios and we were booked into Sophia Residences,  miraculously owned by the same person with the same cleaning lady and three doors down. She had no English,  but somehow it all worked out after she contacted the Senhor and I spoke with him. The accommodation was spacious, well appointed  and very comfortable,  except for the bed which was as hard as rocks.

Large square at Coimbra University

Ceiling of Chapel of St Michael with large organ

The University at Coimbra was first established in Lisbon in 1290,  before, after several moves, being relocated to Coimbra in 1537, so it has a substantial and interesting history. 

It has 25,000 students with 15% from other countries. A tour involved a climb up a very steep gradient and just when you thought it was a pedestrian zone,  a car would come careering up/down the hill, at great speed, necessitating a quick jump to the side. 

The old university library is the major attraction. The information provided claims that there are two small colonies of bats that eat the insects which threaten the preservation of the books. Maybe in the past centuries, but probably not now. 

Our ticket included a visit to the beautiful tiled chapel of St Michael. Its organ was designed for a much larger church and apparently when it is played it is deafening. Our ticket included access to several museums on campus, including the Cabinet of Curiosities. Here are some images to give you an idea of the contents. As we entered the dimly lit main room, it had the feel of a Harry Potter set.

Monkey or pig?

Is this a cane toad?

Two headed snake

One headed twins

Your guess is as good as mine!