Coimbra University

We took the train north this morning from Lisbon to the medieval university town of Coimbra.

This view from the terrace of Oslo Hotel where we are staying gives a good overview. The university, where we headed is at the top.

We wound up through narrow streets. There was a Renaissance-type fair going on in front of this Old Cathedral dating from the 12th century when the Moors where in control of the Iberian Peninsula.

The university is located in a former palace donated by King João III in 1537 (exactly the time period of my character Colin Hay in Wales.)

Here's a view from the balcony of the palace. The Joanina Library is the last entrance to the right. The  entrance to the Chapel of St. Michael is just out of the picture to the right. The statue is King João III.

I thought of Mom Hardy when I saw these organ pipes in the Chapel of St. Michael. The painting on the ceiling is very typical of this region.

Beneath the library is the academic prison, intended to keep unruly students separate from common criminals. Very motivating to keep university rules.

No pictures were allowed in the library itself. I'll have to look for something on the Internet. This is the old workroom.

Here you will find pictures I wasn't allowed to take.

After the library, we relaxed in the botanical gardens. We got turned around and disagreed about the way back to our hotel. We both turned out to be wrong, but we got there eventually.

Before actually returning to the hotel (to watch Copa do Mundo [World Cup]) we stopped at an outdoor coffee shop and then wandered down the street to the Monastery of the Holy Cross. 

The cloister was my favorite part.

This fountain in the corner of the cloister was where the monks washed  before dinner.

The church had another fabulous looking organ. Unfortunately no concerts scheduled this weekend.

The carved choir stalls had lots of character although most of the characters were more damaged than this one.