Page 91 - WDT MAGAZINE PORTUGAL

every shopping whim. The narrow streets that twist sardines and other morsels from the sea. Of course, scientists. Tradition is strong here, illustrated by the student the University and old town, and all agreed this Portuguese
way past Rua Ferreira Borges and the Old Cathedral the street boasts many outdoor and indoor and faculty garb, dashing black capes. We spotted a few on treasure was worth a return visit, perhaps when the
to the University are home to independent shops restaurants serving Portuguese specialties and cold the hot summer day when we were on the sprawling university is in session and bustling with activity.
selling locally-made souvenirs, including ceramics, mugs of local beers. During peak times it can be hard campus. Although its historic bond with Portugal is strong, The jewel of the University is its splendid library or The
basketry, embroidery, linens, and jewelry. If you’re to snag a table, but it’s worth the effort to refresh and students representing more than 70 nationalities add an Book House as it’s called. Built between 1717 and 1728, it
lucky, you may see artisans at work as we did in a enjoy some people watching on a hot day. international flavor. was designed to show off the wealth of the empire,
family ceramic tile shop. As with the food and wine, Coimbra University is the prize at the top of the We visited several museums, filled with historic especially the colony of Brazil. We purchased time-specific
souvenirs in Portugal are very reasonable. hill. The university is the lifeblood of the city and its artifacts and treasures brought to the University during the tickets in advance and some two hours later, walked inside
A more modern pedestrian shopping street vibe changes with the ebb and flow of the academic golden years of discovery. Afterward, we took a well- with the others in our group.
leading in from the river has everything from ice year. Since 1290, its students have enriched the deserved break at one of the many campus eateries. We The grand Baroque-style main library is surrounded by
cream shops to a specialty store selling only canned country as notable scholars, politicians, artists, and could have happily spent many more days roaming around highly decorated bookcases lined with rare bibliographic

90 WINE DINE & TRAVEL MAGAZINE 2019