The University of Coimbra

Location:
Largo de Dom Dinis
Coimbra, Portugal

Historical Building

By Christopher Minster

The University of Coimbra is the oldest and most prestigious in Portugal. Founded in 1290, the University is one of the oldest in the world. Many of the older university buildings still stand. The 16th century church features a tall tower, which can be climbed for a good view of the city, and which also houses a museum of religious art. Famous alumni include Luís Vas de Camões, the famuos Portuguese epic poet, and St. Anthony of Padua.

The real star of the show is the old library (Biblioteca Joanina). Built in the nineteenth century to house the university’s ever-growing collection of books, the library is now home to 300,000 books, many of which are very old and rare. The university has a modern facility for those books printed in the last hundred years or so. The library is climate-controlled, and only a certain number of visitors are allowed in at any time. The books are definitely hands-off, but they’re a lot of fun to look at, all stacked neatly in their shelves.

Getting There
You can't miss the old University: it's right on top of the hill in old town Coimbra.

Travel Tips: The ticket office is outside the gate to the old university: be sure to get your tickets before you go in.

Price Description: General Admission: €4, discounts for seniors, students and kids. Price includes admission to the old library (look at your ticket: there is probably an entry time printed on it: make sure you are on time!) and the Sala dos Capelos.

Relative price: Mid-Range

Open Hours from:8:30

Open Hours to:7:30 (9:30 to 5:30 from November to February)

Contact Information:
Phone: 23/985-98-00
URL: www.uc.pt/english/