September 17, 2020 – WANDERLUST FAMILY ADVENTURE

Biblioteca Joanina – Coimbra University (Coimbra, Portugal)

September 17, 2020 Rita Aguilar Architecture, Art/Painting, Coimbra, Europe, Historic Sites, Museums, Portugal, UNESCO World Heritage Sites

The Johannine Library (Portuguese: Biblioteca Joanina) is a Baroque library situated in the heights of the historic center of the University of Coimbra. in the city of Coimbra. Built in the 18th century during the reign of the Portuguese King John V, it is part of the University of Coimbra General Library. It is a National Monument and has a priceless historical value being one of the main tourist attractions among the older monuments belonging to the university. The university is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos

The Academic Prison is where you go if you did not return a book or had some other infraction. We could not go inside because of COVID.

The outer portion of the library pictures were allowed.

The inner library does not allow pictures, I took a few anyway the attendant was sleeping!

Outside the doors of the library.

Choupalinho Park – Coimbra, Portugal

September 17, 2020 Rita Aguilar Botanical Garden, Coimbra, Europe, Hiking, Portugal, Rivers

The Choupalinho Park is a wide green space on the banks of the Mondego river in Coimbra, Portugal, ideal for resting, walking, for doing sports or just people watching. It is on the opposite bank and directly across from the Parque da Cidade Manuel Braga, Coimbra’s main open space.

The Pedro e Lnes pedestrian bridge connects the two parks.

Santa Clara Bridge – Coimbra, Portugal

September 17, 2020 Rita Aguilar Architecture, Bridges, Coimbra, Europe, Portugal, Rivers

The Santa Clara bridge in Coimbra is the main crossing of the Mondego River into the city. It is also the oldest of the city’s 3 bridges, although it doesn’t actually look that old.

A view of the wonderful Restaurante Italia where we had lunch.

The Astoria Hotel.

Pedro e Inês bridge – Coimbra, Portugal

September 17, 2020 Rita Aguilar Architecture, Bridges, Coimbra, Europe, Hiking, Portugal, Rivers

The Pedro e Inês bridge is a footbridge opened in 2007 in the town of Coimbra in Portugal. It was designed by Cecil Balmond, Arup Group,and Portuguese civil engineer António Adão da Fonseca. Spanning the Mondego River, the 600 foot structure is the city’s first footbridge and has become locally known as the “bridge that doesn’t meet.” Partly inspired by skipping stones, the design is created from two cantilevered walkways joining in the middle. Each walkway is responsible for supporting the other – the two halves are displaced, giving the visual effect of a bridge that does not meet. The bridge is named for the ill-fated affair between Pedro, the Crown Prince of Portugal, and the Queen’s lady-in-waiting, Inês de Castro.

Parque da Cidade Manuel Braga – Coimbra, Portugal

September 17, 2020 Rita Aguilar Botanical Garden, Coimbra, Europe, Hiking, Historic Sites, Memorials, Portugal, Rivers, Statue / Sculpture

Parque da Cidade Manuel Braga; Coimbra’s emblematic park is one of the most cherished spaces in the city, with a beautiful location next to the Mondego River. Initially, it was a space that belonged to the Benedictine monks, located by the river water and therefore subject to constant flooding. In 1888, the Municipality of Coimbra acquired the land, consisting of an orange groves area, an open area where horse races were held and a soccer field on the east side. In 1920 the associated lands were formed into a park.

The Water Museum is within the park.

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