Wander Weekly

Coimbra is a riverside city in Portugal. It actually was the previous capital before Lisbon. The town is so colorful and filled with stores, boutiques and restaurants. Even though I was only there for a day, we were able to see so many different attractions. 

We started at the University of Coimbra. It is known for being the oldest University in Portugal founded in 1537. It was stunning with its old architecture, multiple grand staircases and a beautiful view while the main courtyard looked over a valley. The video above is of the grand courtyard.

Our second stop was the Biblioteca Joanina. It is one of the oldest libraries in the world. It had 25 foot floor to ceiling bookcases. The wood had the original engravings from the 1720’s. There are more than 250,000 volumes here, dating from the 1500s to the 1700s and dealing with history, geography, medicine, law and science. Above is the Law School of the University of Coimbra.

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Our third stop was Chapel of São Miguel. It is the university’s chapel from the first decades of the 16th century. One of the first things you see when you walk in is this magnificent Organ which actually dates back to 1733. The whole ceiling is covered with beautiful hand-painted murals. We were lucky enough to experience a live choir. 

Coimbra is a city definitely worth visiting for its history and views. I wish I was able to be there for more than one day. While walking the streets, we found so many hidden gems. The photo above is of a beautiful little cafe that we found after walking through a downhill stone tunnel. It is just a great example of history being that these were the old roads from the 1500’s. For those passing through Portugal, I highly recommend to stop in Coimbra for its history, views, and charming town.