Portugal, Day 12 – Coimbra Walking Tour, Train to Porto, Dinner at Ode Porto

Unfortunately, it was our last day in Coimbra. In the morning, we strolled around the beautiful and romantic gardens of Quintas Das Lagrimas.

Clare and Dennis Fountain of Tears
First we saw the fountain of tears (where Inez de Castro was assassinated back in the 14th century). She shared a forbidden love with Prince Dom Pedro. Sad.

Romantic Gardens of Quintas Das Lagrimas
Then, we ambled over to where Inez and Dom Pedro Met. We shared a kiss to commemorate the couple, who risked everything to be together!

Joaquimo Aguiar Statue
Where we met Sara…

With time in Coimbra running short, we decided to take a guided walking tour before we had to leave. We contacted Sara at Go Walks! and she gave us a lovely tour.

Escadas Do Quinchorro
Coimbra is on a hill, so there are many stairs strategically placed to make ascending more efficient.

Entering Coimbra University
The back of Sara as she enters Coimbra University. She is an alumna of the University and is getting a graduate degree in Tourism, if I remember correctly. She knows quite a bit about the history of Coimbra and Portugal, so she really does a bang up job with the walking tour!

Coimbra University Law Department
Coimbra Law School

Joaonina Library at Coimbra University
Joaonina Library, Built in the 18th century. One of the best ones in all of Europe at the time!

Mathematics Department at Coimbra University
Coimbra Mathematics Department mural!

Islamic Influences in Masonry
All Throughout Portugal, one sees the Islamic influence in the masonry and architecture!

Old Cathedral (Se Velha) in Coimbra
Old Cathedral (Se Velha). This is a famous location for Fado singing.

After the tour was over, we said goodbye to Sara, the Quintas Das Lagrimas, and Coimbra. We were sad to leave, as we both really loved Coimbra. It’s a perfect blend of youth and exuberance with old world charm! We headed to Porto, wishing we could just finish our trip in Coimbra.

After a not so long train ride, we checked into our hotel in Porto. Arriving around dinner time, we decided to try Ode Porto Wine House. It had come highly recommended from an American woman when we first arrived in Portugal. “If you go to Porto, you *have* to try Ode Porto!. The guy who runs it learned how to cook from his Grandmother and he sources all his food locally.” She spent the next 10 minutes conveying the awesome food there, so were convinced!

Ode Porto Wine House Restaurant
Here is the dinner room. There are only 5 tables, so you are seated for *the entire night*. Each couple has a different arrival time, so you get special attention when you first arrive. We were couple number 2 over the course of the night, which suited us just fine.

Beef With Broccoli and Taters
Beef with Broccoli and Taters…Dennis was in heaven at this simple but excellently cooked dish.

Breaded Cod and Potato with Wilted Greens
My Breaded Cod with Potato and Wilted Greens, Also very good!

Ode Porto Wine House is Wonderful!
Dessert time! YUMMY!

I’d definitely recommend the Ode Porto Wine House. It’s expensive, but totally worth the price. It’s delightful to learn about the source of the food and how it is prepared, to boot!

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