2022 Sunday, Sept. 25

Coimbra Rest Day

Rest day in Coimbra. The plan was to see as much as possible in this ancient city once the capital of Portugal. The university founded in 1290 sits atop the hill, and Coimbra “old town” has been named a World Heritage site. Lots to see!

6.2 miles walking (and a few taxis).

Click the link to view today’s Relive video: https://www.relive.cc/view/vKv2QZmjRoq

Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Nova at Coimba, display of St. Isabel and husband Dom Dinis
The first stop was to the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Nova, a 1648 convent to replace a flood-prone monastery from the thirteenth century. St. Isabel was married to Dom Dinis and suffered under his jealousy. She smuggled coins for the poor in a basket, but when the jealous Dom searched her basket, the coins were turned to roses. When Dom Dinis died in 1325, she distributed her remaining wealth to the poor and became a Poor Clare in the convent. She is considered the patron saint of Coimbra.
Altar of Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Nova, Coimbra, showing urn of St. Isabel
The golden altarpiece in the church of the Monastery of St. Clara. St. Isabel is buried in the silver tomb in the high altar.
Ponte de Santa Clara, bridge on the Camino in Coimbra
From the Monastery on the west side of the river to “old town Coimbra” side, the Ponte de Santa Clara is the bridge on the Camino way.
Igraja de Santiago (St. James Church) in Coimbra
iconography on Igraja de Santiago (St. James Church) in Coimbra
Some of the columns feature the shell symbol of St. James.
Richard on one of Coimbra's main tiled streets
The original chapel was modified (shortened) to allow for widening this major shopping avenue.
Igraja de Santa Cruz in Santa Cruz showing some Manueline elements
The Igraja de Santa Cruz was begun in 1131 by King Alfonso Henriques for the Order of St. Augustine. It was renovated in the 16th century under King Manuel I and King João III, giving it some Manueline elements. The entry arch was added in the 18th century.
Igraja de Santa Cruz boasts tombs of two of Portugal's earliest kings: Alfonso Henriques and Dom Sancho I
The church contains tombs of the two earliest Portuguese kings: Alfonso Henriques and Dom Sancho I. Each tomb is embellished with Manueline and Renaissance elements.
Igraja de Santa Cruz's Manueline cloister
The Manueline cloister was added in 1517. The walls are adorned with tiles in an unusual yellow color, illustrating Bible verses.
Igraja de Santa Cruz's Manueline cloister with yellow tile Biblical stories

The day was finished as nearly everything was closed. More early tomorrow as we head out of town.

Comments:

Dan and Wendy Hendry: Wow, Ciombra looks really interesting. Too bad you had to walk 6 more miles to see it all. Hope you both are doing well. Somehow have been able to your picture tour again, Richard. Very enjoyable. 2022/09/28

Reply: Coimbra is quite interesting and the walking was enjoyable. Lots of bus tours around! 2022/09/29

Ann Prazza: 1131? !
That’s some incredibly old architecture! And the yellow tile is exquisite. Nice to see you being “city pilgrims” for a day😀 22/09/28

Reply: There was so much to see that we could have spent much longer in Coimbra. It was the first capital of Portugal before Lisbon. Old! 2022/09/29