March 12: Universidade de Coimbra

All good things must come to an end and so we finally left the memorable city of Porto.  We made a couple of quick picture taking spots before reaching our main destination of the day — Coimbra. 

First, we made our way to Aveiro, which boasts a Venice-like canal system navigated by bright colored boats called “barcos moliceiros.” Although a lovely spot for a Sunday gondola ride, Venice should not worry.

Next, we traveled to the beach of Costa Nova to literally take a picture of a couple of houses with a candy cane like paint job.  I guess we were saving the best for last. 

Our last stop was to the impressive Universidade de Coimbra, which is among the oldest continuously operated universities in the world.  And, after hanging out with some of the scholars from this prestigious institution of higher learning, I was left to wonder if J.K. Rowling visited here too? Although St. Michael’s Chapel was beautiful, the Biblioteca Joanina’s Noble Floor was out of this world with exquisite ceiling paintings, a magnificent portrait of King Joao V, and those extraordinary book shelves.  The detailed woodwork of the shelves with small ornamental paintings covered in gold leaf was spectacular.  We also heard the story of the bats who live in the library to protect the precious books from insects and moths.  I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the Cabinet of Curiosities where one can see a collection of unusual objects, which will undoubtedly arouse your curiosity to find out more about them.