Faculty of Engineering 
University in the old Palace 
Portal leading to uni
Today was one of three days off that we get in the 620km walk from Lisbon to Santiago. So we get up a little later than normal – have breakfast and I head off for a wander walking around Coimbra. “Around” is a loose description of walking “UP” Coimbra – everything appears to be “UP” in Coimbra. This city is basically built on one very, very high hill. The other thing that becomes very obvious is that for 10am on a Monday morning NOBODY is out and about. Curious, I call Lori back at the hotel.. “Lori you remember when you said that you thought there may be a public holiday in Portugal while we were here…you can’t remember the date can you?”
Sure enough – today is Portugal Day! So the plan becomes one of wandering around a lot, seeing what you can, enjoying whatever is open and basically resting up from the heavy duty walking.
Coimbra is known as Portugal’s university city. The university is located at the highest point in the city (of course it is and we walked walked UP to see it) and one of its buildings occupies the original palace of King Aphonso Henriques from the 12th Century when Coimbra was the capital of Portugal. The streets and narrow alleys around the university are all within what used to be the old walled city and so the sense of medieval is all pervasive. Lots of young people, lots of bars and cafes and lots of tables and chairs outside – in good uni traditions I am positive that they are put to good use.
Having now hoofed close to 250km, the day off was very welcome. Tomorrow we are off again to walk the next third of the journey as we head to Porto. I am looking forward to catching up with Jordan and Pru who are heading down to spend the weekend – happy in the knowledge that they may get away from a London “summer” which this year, would best be described as an oxymoron.
… I have to say it again… stunning!! I couldn’t resist the tarts… or the food full stop!!! What amazing towns and scenery… up and up and up!!’ Just think of the amazing legs you’ll have!!!
LADO weekend was truly fantastic… such fun… wanted it to keep going!! We missed you… xxx
Great photos – such a beautiful city. I know I have been to Coimbra during my early travels but I don’t remember much of it now – which just goes to prove that I was there in the 60’s.
Hah! Call yourself a pilgrim? There will be points off for this!! The 7th Sunday after Easter is Pentecost when ‘the holy spirit’ did something or other. The following Monday is a holiday in many catholic countries.
No points off – I’m already through the turnstile with the last walk…this is a spare ticket to be sure to be sure…Got the Sunday bit – wasn’t clear about what was going on with Monday – so the Portuguese must have had a double whammy…great craft fair by the river – so many artisans and some amazing lace work being created as we watched.