University of Coimbra

Background

The University of Coimbra stands on the university hill above the Mondego River in Coimbra, Portugal. It was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2013 as "University of Coimbra – Alta and Sofia", and the bell tower of the old Royal Palace, the São Miguel Chapel and the Joanina Library surround the university square. The Joanina Library was commissioned by King John V and built from 1717 to 1728 in the Baroque style. King Dinis founded the university by charter on 1 March 1290, and Pope Nicholas IV recognised it on 9 August of the same year. It began in Lisbon and moved permanently to Coimbra in 1537 under King John III, settling in the Alcáçova Palace, which it bought from the royal family in 1597. It is one of the oldest universities in continuous operation in the world, and its alumni include Portugal's national poet Camões, the mathematician Pedro Nunes and the Nobel Prize-winning neurologist Egas Moniz.

Local customs

• Enter the Joanina Library at your timed slot to see its Baroque interior
• climb the bell tower for views over Coimbra's old town and the Mondego
• wander the university square and faculty buildings
• take a walk in the university botanical garden.

Travel tips

• Library visits use timed entry, with admission and opening hours as officially announced
• the university hill has steep slopes and lots of cobbles, so wear comfortable walking shoes. You can visit all year
• campus life is lively in term time and quieter in the holidays, and summer is hot, so plan indoor visits for midday.
• From Coimbra station you can take a bus or walk up the hill
• intercity trains from Lisbon and Porto reach Coimbra, with timetables as officially announced.