What a fantastic city. Coimbra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and world famous University City is perched high on a hill that just goes up and up and up some more. But the views from the University at the very top are astounding and worth the effort.
I started out relatively early and took the 08:52 train from Porto-Campanha which is conveniently a 5 minute walk from my hotel. Within a hour we were at Coimbra-.
I walked into the city from there and enjoyed the coolness of the morning ; the temperature changed fairly soon and I got very burned and hot.
The city as I said is perched on a hill. Winding cobbled lanes lead up and up, very steep slopes, the houses balanced haphazardly one in top of the other, so close together you couldn’t fit a sheet of paper between them.
The architecture is fascinating, but I was sad to see do many wonderful old buildings in a complete state of disrepair and dereliction.
There are te dozens of churches, monasteries and a few cathedrals. I managed to visit a few, all of which were wonderful. I’m always reminded that people built these places. The minds that conceived of them… I’m left amazed.
Coimbra is an 11th century city and some of the ecclesiastical buildings go back to the early 12th century. Awesome.
There are dozens of squares each with tables and gaily coloured umbrellas, lots of quirky shops with a delightful array of goods. I bought 2 tea-towels and an oven gloves as mementos. Like I need more weight in my bag LOL
I had a cappuccino and a custard cream pastry at this restaurant. Delicious.
I walked along the riverside. The River Mondego is incredibly wide! There’s a colourful pedestrian bridge I walked across that offered amazing views of the river and city.
I discovered an extraordinary Monastery on the other side of the river. Archaeological ruins offer a tantalising glimpse into the ancient past.
On the hill is an amazing church and what looks like another monastery. I need to do more research on that.
Before leaving I stopped off at a cafe and partook of a cappuccino and a most delicious custard pastry.
Coimbra is an enchanting city with so much to see.
Centuries of history in those cobbled streets that play havoc with your ankles.
And then it was time to go. I took a taxi to the station. By 17:45 my feet, after 15 kms had had quite enough thank you.
Walked 15kms. 32,419 steps from when I got off the train until I stepped into the taxi.
I mistakenly jumped on the wrong train, but since it was headed to Porto, it was all good and the ticket inspector didn’t come by.
After paying my bill at the hotel in preparation for my early departure tomorrow, I popped in at a local cafe and enjoyed a cheese and tomato omelette. Delicious.
Tomorrow my Camino proper begins. Wish me luck, hope that the Camino does indeed provide and Buen Camino.
