Coimbra - The Pride of Portugal by Chris McBeath When I think of robes and academia, the staff at Hogwarts comes to mind. Snapes billowing down ancient corridors, bats passing through mournful apparitions, and eclectic treasures appearing at every corner. Then I discovered Portugal's Coimbra University. Coimbra University Square; (Photo: Chris McBeath) One of the world's oldest universities (est. 1290)