Coimbra, Portugal

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Coim (rhymes with coin) brah

“A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions.” – Oliver Wendell Holmes

The college town of Coimbra is Portugal’s Oxford — the university was founded in 1290.
It’s beautifully situated, overlooking the city.
We toured the library where the books on these shelves are 350 years old.
The black capes famously worn by local students originated with the capes worn by Jesuits and clergy in the 1500s. Like the uniforms of students at American Catholic schools, standardized clothing removes the focus on power-dressing and equalizes people of all classes.
To this day, standards of modesty prevail, keeping class divisions at a minimum among the students and professors. (Students, when wearing their gowns, are not allowed to show off by wearing jewelry.)
On the university square, the door on the left leads to St Michael’s Chapel.
And in the chapel this 2,100 pipe, 18th century German-built organ is notable for its’ horizontal “trumpet” pipes.
This church is SERIOUSLY old! While reading this sign I realized that one of my all time favorite Detroit Tigers player’s name was probably derived from St Tiago — Ramon Santiago!
Attracted our attention because it just looked so old – which is saying a lot in Portugal!
Once inside we were both surprised because Mary was front & center with a small crucifix below. Have never seen that on the alter of a Catholic Church.
Café Santa Cruz, originally built as a church. As a café, this was the 19th century haunt of the town’s intellectuals. The alter is now used for lectures, poetry readings and art exhibits.
And the former confessional is now the women’s room.
These Fado singers were emotional and intense. We really enjoyed listening to them even though we don’t understand Portuguese.
A Tricana (the term given for a local woman in traditional folk dress) resting after a trip to the well.
Coimbra is a very pretty old town,
with stone walkways that shine like marble,
and inviting narrow lanes to explore.
I love this bamboo forest that is a part of their botanical garden.
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