How to visit the University of Coimbra, World Heritage: schedules, prices

On a trip through the Central Portugal region, in addition to getting to know cities like Aveiro o Viseu, the landscapes of Sierra de la Estrella natural park or historic villages, you also have the attractions of discovering various places declared Heritage awarded by the Unesco.

And among them, the historic University of Coimbra It is the place that receives more visitors every year, which without a doubt is largely due to being the heart of a city as attractive as this one, which is located on the inland route between Lisbon y Porto.

Therefore, you visit of Coimbra It must have as its central axis knowing the main corners of the monumental complex of the University Coimbra.

University of Coimbra, World Heritage Site

In this regard you must know that the declaration of World Heritage covers a group of buildings located on a hill in the upper part of the city, which make up its historic center, as well as other buildings of the Sofia Street.

In this way, said coverage includes monuments such as the Old Cathedral of Coimbra, from the 40th century, with Romanesque architecture, the university colleges from the XNUMXth century, and even university buildings built in the XNUMXs of the last century.

In her statement, the Unesco stands out from what was first university in Portugal, its influence throughout history on teaching and literature in the neighboring country, also a reference for the integration of a university city in the historic center of a large city.

History of the University of Coimbra

La University Coimbra has its origin General Study founded in 1290 by king Dionysius I, an institution that initially had its headquarters in Lisbon.

Its foundation was the result of a request from the abbots of several monasteries in Portugal, but in 1308 it was moved to Coimbra.

Its definitive location dates back to 1537, after the transfer of some manors by the then King Joao III.

Currently, in addition to the High side, the university buildings extend throughout other areas of the city.

What to see when visiting the University of Coimbra

Apart from visiting other monuments or university buildings of the Coimbra Upper Zone, you visit of the University of Coimbra should focus on the historic buildings that surround the enormous esplanade of the School Courtyard, also known as University Courtyard.

This place was the site of the old Royal Palace of Alcácoba, and is currently visited every year by more than 200.000 visitors.

Some of the most emblematic buildings are concentrated there, not only of the historic university, but also of the city.

Specifically, after crossing the Railway Gate by acceso al School Courtyard, on your visit you should know the old Royal Palace, St. Michael's Chapel, and the impressive Biblioteca Joanina and Saint Peter's College.

Royal Palace at University of Coimbra

La visit of the old Royal Palace It will focus on the tour through three large rooms.

On the one hand. the Armoury, which was used to store the weapons of the Academic Royal Guard, whose guards continue to participate in solemn academic ceremonies, such as doctorates Honoris Causa or the opening of the academic year.

Next to it is the yellow room, which functions as a meeting room for the University.

Another second large room is the Private Exam, where until the end of the 38th century, students were given an individual oral test, and which you can distinguish by the XNUMX portraits of university rectors from the XNUMXth to XNUMXth centuries that cover its walls.

The paintings on the ceiling, with a coat of arms of the Kingdom of Portugal, is from 1701.

And finally, you will also see the Hall of Great Events, the most important of the University of Coimbra.

It was the old one Hall of the Throne and, between 1143 and 1383, it was the home of the kings of the first Portuguese dynasty.

As we see it now, it is the result of a renovation that was carried out in the mid-172th century, highlighting the walls covered with Lisbon tiles and the wooden ceiling with XNUMX different panels with paintings of grotesque motifs.

On the walls you can see the portraits of all the kings of Portugal, except those known as philippine dynasty.

Chapel of Saint Michael at University of Coimbra

La St. Michael's Chapel It is from the 16th century, and is built in Manueline style with subsequent reforms in the 17th and 18th centuries.

When visiting this chapel, you will be struck by its 17th century ceiling paintings and the ceramics that cover its walls, which come from Lisbon.

Also, of course, highlights its large baroque organ from 1737 with 2.000 tubes, which continues to operate today.

Joanina Library at the University of Coimbra

Now, if there is a truly spectacular corner in the University of Coimbra, that is, without a doubt, the Biblioteca Joanina.

This is one of the most important baroque libraries that you can see in Europe, which preserves a literary treasure with thousands of books from between the 15th and 19th centuries that you can see on wooden shelves with gold leaf.

El King Joao V the Magnanimous He was the one who ordered it to be built in 1717 as a sign of his patronage of culture, science and the arts.

The artistic value of Biblioteca Joanina It can already be seen from its façade with four Ionic columns culminated with a royal shield.

During the visit you will tour its three large rooms with golden arches, painted ceilings and exotic wooden shelves full of books.

Tower of the University of Coimbra

This large patio is culminated by the University Tower, which dates back to its definitive installation in this place in 1537, when it was built with the purpose of the university having a clock and a bell to warn of the study hours there.

The current tower is from 1733.

To plan your visit, you should know that the World Heritage buildings of the University of Coimbra They are not only the aforementioned School Courtyard, but also some university colleges and other notable heritage sites both in the High side as in the Sofia Street.

In this regard, it is worth highlighting the General Library, Botanical Garden, Jesus College with the Museum of Natural Sciences, or the interactive science museum.

Visiting times for the University of Coimbra

The Visiting hours of the Patio de las Escuelas buildings They are, every day of the week, from 9 a.m. to 19 p.m.

University of Coimbra ticket prices

The ticket prices to visit the University of Coimbra They are, adults, 12,50 euros; young people from 13 to 17 years old, 6,25 euros; students from 18 to 25 years old and seniors +65, 10 euros; and free visits for children under 13 years of age.

These tickets allow you visit the Royal Palace, Biblioteca Joanina, St. Michael's Chapel, and the nearby Jesus College with the Museum of Natural Sciences.