Postcard from Coimbra

To our shame, we’d never known much about Coimbra until we realized it was on our route to Tomar. Our ‘Visitor’s Guide to Portugal’ told us that it’s the third largest city in Portugal and “Undoubtedly one of most historic towns”. Until the 13^th century it was the capital of Portugal.

The town is dominated by the University and its buildings, and the old cathedral which sit on high ground above the Rio Mondego.  The university is Portugal’s equivalent of Oxford or Cambridge. The students take pride in wearing their distinctive uniform of black suits and black capes, even in summer.

 Below in the old town it was a delight to wander about on a Saturday in September. (28C in the shade). Lots of hustle and bustle and two special treats: firstly, a procession of vintage fire engines, and secondly, a group of music students performing just below the Almedina Arch.  We took a video which we’ll try to link.

We’re at the municipal campsite ,’ O Parque de Campismo ‘ to the south-east of the city. It’s 18€ a night, after CCI discount, with free wifi and excellent ‘sanfacs’.  The number 38 bus leaves from the site entrance for the old town (1.60€) and there’s a Pingo Doce  supermarket a short walk from the site.