Official Coimbra Tourism website

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The University of Coimbra

Founded in 1290 by D. Dinis, the University of Coimbra is one of the oldest in the world and the oldest higher education institution in Portugal.

"The University of Coimbra stood out as a center for the production and transmission of knowledge, exerting influence on four continents that made up the former Portuguese empire."

The University of Coimbra, one of the oldest in Europe, was classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2013. Founded by King Dinis in 1290, originally in Lisbon, the university was definitively transferred to Coimbra in 1537, moving to the Royal Palace buildings. During the reigns of King João V and King José I, the institution underwent major reforms, both in teaching and in the construction of new buildings, marked by the Baroque and Neoclassical styles.

The recognition by UNESCO is due to its historical and cultural relevance, which transcends borders. The University of Coimbra stood out as a center for the production and transmission of knowledge, exerting influence on four continents that made up the former Portuguese empire. In addition, it reflects important periods in the history of architecture, art and the spatial and cultural organization of Portugal. Its long history is linked to ideological, pedagogical and cultural reforms, representing an important milestone in the evolution of thought and knowledge.

The University of Coimbra has also played a fundamental role in the consolidation of the Portuguese language, establishing itself as a literary centre of excellence and a disseminator of new ideas. Many writers and promoters of the Portuguese language and culture have passed through its halls, reinforcing its unique contribution to the cultural and linguistic unity of the country.

"The University of Coimbra stood out as a center for the production and transmission of knowledge, exerting influence on four continents that made up the former Portuguese empire."

Discover the School Palace

O Paço das Escolas is one of the most emblematic and historical complexes in University of Coimbra, located in the heart of the city. Originally a royal palace, it was donated in 1537 by D. João III to be the center of the university, when it was definitively established in Coimbra.

An iconic place in Coimbra, made up of several structures of great beauty, it has been classified as a World Heritage Site since 2013.

Do not know where to start?

Iron Gate

Entrance to the old Royal Palace, to which two portals were added in 1634, with allegorical sculptures of the old Faculties (Medicine, Law, Theology and Canons), the founding king and the king who permanently established General Studies in Coimbra (D. Dinis and D. João III) and the Sapiência, the institution's emblem.

Monument to D. João III

Monumental statue, inaugurated in 1948, representing the monarch. It conveys hierarchism and a certain formal rigidity, fitting into the historicist and modernist character of the official ideology of the Estado Novo followed by Francisco Franco, its author, considered one of the protagonists of the regime's official statuary.

Via Latina

Large colonnade, from the end of the 18th century, whose name recalls the old rule that prohibited any language other than Latin when passing through it.

Hall of the Capelos

Former throne room of the Royal Palace which, in the 17th century, was adapted to host the most important events of academic life: the solemn opening of the academic year, doctoral examinations, the imposition of insignia, the investiture of rectors, among others.

Archers' Room

Room adapted, during the period of the Pombaline Reform, to store the weapons of the Royal Academic Guard.

Private Examination Room

Former Royal Chamber remodeled at the beginning of the 18th century. Its name recalls the time when some oral exams were held behind closed doors.

General

Occupying part of the former queen's wing, the courtyard, in classical style, with two floors, around which the general studies classrooms were arranged, is the result of remodeling work, with the upper floor having been built by master builders Manuel Alves Macamboa and José de Carvalho.

Torre

The current tower, a symbol of the University and the city, was built in the 1741th century, with Italianate Baroque features by António Cannevari and designed by Gaspar Ferreira. At the top, four historic clocks and bells govern academic life, such as the "cabra" (1561) and the "bolão" (XNUMX).

Minerva's Stairs

As a result of the renovations that the building underwent, around 1724, Gaspar Ferreira was given the task of recreating the stairs connecting the university and the public street.

Chapel of St. Michael

The former oratory of the Royal Palace, dating back to the 12th century, underwent major expansion works during the Manueline period, under the supervision of Marcos Pires and Diogo de Castilho. The portal is an allegory of the political ideology of King Manuel I – he was king by divine right!

Bookstore House | Joanina Library

This unique and internationally recognized work is commonly known as the Joanina Library, given that it was a work carried out during the reign of D. João V, whose large portrait, by Dominico Duprá, occupies the top of the library's interior.

Academic Prison

Established in 1593 in the north wing of the building, a former royal prison, ordered to be built by D. João I, it was transferred in 1773 to the infrastructure of the Casa da Livraria.

St. Peter's College

Established in 1593 in the north wing of the building, a former royal prison, ordered to be built by D. João I, it was transferred in 1773 to the infrastructure of the Casa da Livraria.

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Municipal Tourist Office

Old Coimbra Station A

António Granjo Street No. 6

3000-429 Coimbra, Portugal

Phone: 239 857 500

Email: tourism@cm-coimbra.pt