Università Di Coimbra
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Why go
- Biblioteca Joanina’s richly decorated interior, completed in 1728.
- Coimbra’s 33.5-metre university tower, at the city’s highest point.
- The university church’s 17th-century floral ceiling and organ dating to 1733.
- Sala dos Capelos, the palace’s former throne room.
Opening hours
Today09:00 – 19:00Show all
Don't miss
- Biblioteca JoaninaIts lavish decoration reflects the wealth of Portugal’s former colonial empire.Paço das Escolas
- University tower lookoutA lookout above the clock offers views across Coimbra and the Mondego valley.Above the university tower clock
- University church altarThe carved wooden altar was made in 1612–13 with contributions from several Portuguese artists.University church
- Sala dos CapelosIts mid-17th-century design is attributed to master António Tavares.Paço das Escolas
- Via LatinaA staircase on the square’s north side leads to the palace’s 18th-century arcades.North side of the square
Know before you go
- Open daily, 09:00–19:00.
What's inside
- Pólo I is the historic university core, containing the main library, administration and several faculties.
- The university’s cultural collections include science, sacred art and academic museums.
- A two-level cloister beside the tower connects to lecture halls used by the law faculty.
- Beyond the historic palace, the university has a botanical garden, an observatory, a theatre and sports facilities.
Tips for your visit
- Enter the old university grounds from Praça da Porta Ferrera through the iron gate dating to 1633.
- The Monumental Stairs have 125 steps arranged in five sets of 25.
Interesting facts6
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The tower’s Cabra bell signalled when students should wake and return indoors.
Universidade de Coimbra - Wikipedia -
The university’s traditional black suit and cape influenced academic dress at other Portuguese universities; wearing it is optional.
University of Coimbra - Wikipedia -
Since the early 14th century, student houses called Repúblicas have held special rights.
Universität Coimbra - Wikipedia -
Queima das Fitas burns ribbons in the colours of the university’s eight faculties.
University of Coimbra - Wikipedia -
Fado de Coimbra developed within the university’s student culture; a celebration serenade takes place on the Old Cathedral steps.
University of Coimbra - Wikipedia -
Its alumni include poet Luís de Camões, mathematician Pedro Nunes and Nobel laureate António Egaz Moniz.
University of Coimbra - Wikipedia
History
The university grounds occupy the site of a former Roman fort that guarded a crossing over the Mondego River.
- 1290King Denis established the Studium Generale in Lisbon on 1 March; Pope Nicholas IV recognized it on 9 August.
- 1308It first moved to Coimbra, settling at Estudos Velhos, roughly where the present Main Library stands.
- 1537After several moves between Lisbon and Coimbra, it settled permanently in Coimbra and occupied the Alcaçova Palace.
- 1597The university purchased the palace from the royal family; it became known as Paço das Escolas.
- 1772Royal reform introduced new statutes and emphasized natural and exact sciences.
Show all
- 1940sEstado Novo construction replaced Renaissance and Baroque buildings.
Sources: University of Coimbra - Wikipedia · Universität Coimbra - Wikipedia · Université de Coimbra - Wikipedia · Universidade de Coimbra - Wikipedia · checked 10 Oct 2026
- Website
- uc.pt/
- Phone
- +351 239 859 900
Questions and answers
How can I contact Universidade de Coimbra?
Call +351 239 859 900.
Is academic dress compulsory at Universidade de Coimbra?
No. The traditional outfit includes a black cape, but wearing it is optional.
Which notable figures studied at Universidade de Coimbra?
Its alumni include poet Luís de Camões, mathematician Pedro Nunes and Nobel laureate António Egaz Moniz.
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