End of the Adventure (for now)

 Back home and realize I never really wrapped up the trip, so..... our last full day in Portugal was spent exploring the oldest part of Coimba in and around the university. We were able to book a self-guided tour of the Biblioteca Joanine, the University's archival library built in the 1720s. It holds more than 50,000 volumes, many of which date from the sixteenth to eighteenth centuries, are original (or only) editions of the world's most important printed works, and are housed in this incredible Baroque building that looks more like a king's chamber than a library. You aren't allowed to take any photos in the main library- so click on the link above to see it. Perhaps the most incredible part of this library is the BATS that live there and are released every night to keep bugs and other paper and book eating insects our of the building. In order to preapre, every night the staff covers the ancient wooden tables and carpets in the library with special towels to protect them while the bats do their thing.   

Front door of the Biblioteca

We also visited the Machado de Castro National Museum (also on the university campus) which was built over the partial remains of a Roman forum that the center of the city when they occupied it. The subterranean cryptoportico that supported the building is part of the museum and open to visitors.


 

We were bummed that because we lost the car, we couldn't make it to the Conímbriga Roman site, so it was pretty incredible to be able to walk through these massive ancient arches and rooms. The museum also contains an extensive collection of sculpture and art from the 11th through 17th century, much or it religious and much of it pretty intense

Yes- his head has just been cut off

After enjoying another delicious bowl of caldo verde and some pastéis de bacalhau at an outdoor restaurant, we headed for the train and the 1.5 hour ride back to Lisbon.

Waiting for crumbs to fall


Our Last night was at the Marriott Lisbon where we were treated to a perfect trip-ending sunset.

Where will the next adventure be...? Stay tuned!



 

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