Coimbra

Formerly the capital of Portugal, its most important university was established here over 500 years ago.  It would seem that back in the day, when a university was to be built, they spared no expense.  It is a long walk up a hill, or steps, to the campus.  Across the river are several convents, probably meant to moderate the behavior of the students on the other bank.

The older part of the school opens into grand plaza that overlooks the river.  We were too late to be able to tour the library, a gift from a Portuguese king, but it is a masterwork of Manueline architecture.

We checked out more of the town, there is a new and an old cathedral.

For dinner, we stopped at a little place that had a fine looking cheese and ham board.

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