Page 87 - WDT MAGAZINE PORTUGAL

interesting was the large see-through display in the challenging at times.
center of the living room floor where three levels of We spent the second day exploring the University
walls - a city wall, Roman wall and one predating the and the old city, divided into two primary
Romans - were revealed during excavations. If those neighborhoods, Lower Town and Upper Town. The
walls could talk, imagine all they could say. historic center is high above the river on Alcaçova hill
Our first order of business was lunch at the tapas where you can visit medieval convents, cathedrals,
restaurant not 20-feet from our front door. It was my and some world-class museums clustered in and
favorite kind of place, small, charming and serving around the University. This is not a place to visit if you
great inexpensive food and wine. Coimbra has many don’t like walking steep cobblestone streets or
of these kinds of eateries, serving University students, climbing stairs. I’m not in the best shape but managed
faculty and savvy tourists. Keep in mind that with to walk several miles up and down. Although it wasn’t
glowing reviews on TripAdvisor, these kinds of places easy, it was well worth the effort.
often become too popular so getting a table can be For tourists and locals alike, Coimbra satisfies

86 WINE DINE & TRAVEL MAGAZINE 2019