Our lovely, personable and knowledgeable guide for the trip, Silvia Aires from Turismo Centro de Portugal, set our agenda to start at the University of Coimbra. This also happens to be the highest point in the city. This hilltop positioning is no accident. Not only is height an excellent vantage point to see all of Coimbra and the River Mondego, but it is also a symbolic reference to the importance knowledge and education is placed in the heritage and pride of the Portuguese people.
