Coimbra

At one time the capitol of Portugal. Rain this morning while we toured the University. It was founded in Lisbon and moved to this royal palace. 

This bell tower is a well known monument in Coimbra.

The entrance to the University. The seniors haze the freshmen. When the seniors graduate the freshmen retaliate by taking their clothes and underwear and displaying them on this gate. 

Below is the cathedral at the university. Mass is held here every Sunday. The steps on the altar represent Jacobs ladder to heaven. King John the IV named the Virgin Mary the patron Saint of Portugal and gave his crown to her (well, to her statue). Bottom pics are the patron saints of the light and of students. 

This Iberian pipe organ is from 18th Century and has 2100 pipes. Look close to see the organist. He played us a tune. 

Everyone was very interested in the Academic Prison concept. The prison was in the library which has been named a historic monument. If a student disagreed with the professors or damaged a book they could spend up to 6 months in academic prison. Guards would take them to class then straight back to prison. The ceiling is made of stones. 

At the top of these steps are two holes that were the latrine. 

Bathroom!!

They maintain the library “old school”: this is the cat hole in the door that allowed the cats to hunt mice. Still today, 2 colonies of bats live in the library to eat the bugs. They cover the elaborately carved wood tables with leather each night to protect them from bat shit. Apparently it’s quite acidic (remember that next time you call someone “ bat shit crazy”. Make sure the description is accurate). 

They would not allow photos in the library but take our word for it, it was spectacular. Gold leaf, elaborate carvings on rare wood, frescoes on the ceiling, Yada yada. 

Another church (am I back on that Pilgrimage?!) this is the Church of Santa Cruz in the city center of Coimbra. 

And another spectacular pipe organ. 

No people pics today. The morning in the rain made for bad hair days. So here’s some food!

The hot chocolate here reminded me of Rome. Like warm pudding. You can see it holding up the spoon. Delicious. 

Interesting story here about language barriers.  Michelle and Sheila thought they were ordering a mixed salad and pointed to a picture. This is what they got:

The white stuff in the front is Tripe. It’s okay. There was snack mix in the bar later. 

On the bus for 4 hours today, headed to Evora.