Coimbra and on to Salamanca

Coimbra was the capital of Portugual for about 120 years in the 12th and 13th century. The University was founded in the 13th century and relocated in the 16th century by the king to the site of the former royal palace.
This is King John III, who gave the palace to the University.

Some areas of the former palace are on view

A balcony runs round two sides of the building giving good views over the town and countryside

The library only opens its doors at appointed times, so we had to wait outside until the clock struck.

Inside, the library is superb. It was built in the 17th century and it still possible to access the books there by appointment,,although it is really unused - no one works there. There are three rooms, this is the inner room:

We were told that a colony of bats lives inside the library and so tables and books must be covered every night for protection.
We then went down to the town where we heard some students performing

The village was having a fete, so there were stalls and performers everywhere.

After lunch. We said goodbye to your guide, Ana

Then we continued on our way to Salamance, arriving at our hotel on the outskirts After dinner, we wandered into Salamanca and found a very welcoming tapas bar where we enjoyed the local wines and some superb ham.
Salamanca at night

Posted with Blogsy