[1/2] The Universidade de Coimbra | University of Coimbra complex occupies a hilltop overlooking the Rio Mondego (📷1); it’s one of Europe’s oldest universities, founded in 1290 CE. Together with the Alta (upper town) & Sofia (lower town) areas of the city historically associated with the university, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Paço das Escolas | Palace of Schools, a former 12th C. royal palace & tower, seen from the main university courtyard (📷2). Also adjoining the courtyard is Biblioteca Joanina | the Joanina Library c. 1728 (📷3), which incorporates a lower floor prison (self-regulation separated academics from common criminals until 1834) & middle floor exhibition area. The jewel is the library’s Baroque “Noble” upper floor, featuring gold-leaf/ oak interiors & centuries-old books. Regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful libraries, it actively supports bat colonies for moth control—with certain 🦇💩 precautions. All photography is prohibited during the 10min tour slot in here, so this image is from UdeC (📷4).

🇵🇹 #portugal 🇪🇺 #europe 🚀 #travel 🚐 #camperVan #nomad #roadTrip #vanLife 🌍 #unesco