University of Coimbra

The University of Coimbra occupies the hilltop Paço das Escolas in Coimbra, Portugal, and is one of the oldest universities in Europe, with roots in 1290. The university's historic core, the Alta and Sofia districts, is listed by UNESCO. Visitors enter the courtyard of the Paço das Escolas, the former royal palace, where a statue of King João III looks over the open square and the river valley below. The main route takes in the Joanina Library, a Baroque hall completed in the early 18th century with gilded and painted shelving, a frescoed ceiling and a resident colony of bats that protects the books from insects. Entry to the library is by timed slot, and photography inside is restricted. The Capela de São Miguel, the Sala dos Capelos with its portraits of kings, and the Private Examination Room are also part of the visit, along with the Royal Palace rooms. The bell tower, known by students as the Cabra, can be climbed for a view across the red roofs of Coimbra and the Mondego River. A visit generally takes two to three hours, depending on queues for the library slot. Students in traditional black capes appear in the streets around the university, especially in term time, and academic ceremonies sometimes affect opening hours. The courtyard and tower views are best in the afternoon light, while the library is best entered at an early slot. The site is busiest from late morning to mid-afternoon and in July and August, and timed tickets for the library can sell out. The climb to the hill from the lower town is steep, with many stairways, so some visitors take a bus or taxi to the entrance. After the tour, the nearby Machado de Castro National Museum, the Old Cathedral and the lanes of the Alta make natural next stops, and student cafés near the Praça da República offer inexpensive meals.