Portugal’s Coimbra – More than A University Town
Our local guide, who had been a student herself, showed us around the town and to the lookout for great views. She had so much knowledge and stories and gave us a great insight into life in Coimbra. A highlight was a visit to the University which is the oldest in Europe and has the most incredible library with floor to ceiling bookshelves, and secret doors and passages, gold leaf books and palatial fittings. The library even has a colony of bats living there to eat the moths to protect the books. JK Rowling lived in Portugal and was inspired by the area when she wrote Harry Potter and its clear why, students in capes, old rituals still being carried out, and narrow cobble stoned streets.
Read more of my Portugal stories HERE
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