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University of Coimbra

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University of Coimbra (Portugal)

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The University of Coimbra is the oldest university in Portugal and one of the oldest continuously operating universities in the world. Established in 1290 by King Dinis in Lisbon, it underwent several relocations before permanently settling in Coimbra in 1537, occupying the former royal palace of the Alcaçova hill. In 2013, the university was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site for its significant architectural and cultural impact. A primary attraction is the Joanina Library, an 18th-century Baroque masterpiece that houses more than 300,000 precious volumes and is famous for its ornate gilded wood carvings. The historical campus, known as Paço das Escolas, also features the Saint Michael's Chapel and the iconic clock tower that regulates student life. Academic traditions remain very active today, characterized by students wearing traditional black capes and the unique style of Coimbra Fado music. Over the centuries, the university has been a major intellectual hub, shaping the legal, scientific, and literary history of the Lusophone world while attracting students from all over the globe.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C101012141619212120171310
Rain mm10878847751238143811211995

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The University of Coimbra is largely open to the public, especially the courtyard and chapel. The famous Joanine Library requires a separate ticket.
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Typical hours
The university typically opens daily from 9 am to 7 pm, the library with fixed entry slots. Check the website for special closure days.
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Photography
Photography is allowed in the courtyard and chapel without flash. In the Joanine Library, photography is usually prohibited to preserve the books.
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Time needed
A university visit including a brief look at the library takes about 1.5 hours. For a thorough exploration, two to three hours are realistic.
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Combine with
Combine the university with a walk through Coimbra's old town. The Romanesque Sé Velha cathedral and the botanical garden are also nearby.
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Getting there
The university sits on a hill above the city, reachable by bus 11 or on foot via stairs. From Coimbra-B station take a taxi or shuttle.
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Insider tip
Book your ticket for the Joanine Library well in advance online. The visit is especially worthwhile in the morning when it's less crowded.

Geography

Coordinates
40.20690, -8.42500

Facts

  • The university was founded on March 1, 1290, by royal decree.
  • It was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in June 2013.
  • The Joanina Library contains roughly 300,000 ancient volumes.
  • The university's clock tower was completed in 1733.
  • It was the only university in Portugal until the early 20th century.
  • Students traditionally wear black capes known as 'traje académico'.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Coimbra Botanical GardenCoimbra Botanical Garden<1 km · SEExplore →
Palácio de São MarcosPalácio de São Marcos6 km · WExplore →
ConímbrigaConímbriga13 km · SWExplore →
LousãLousã18 km · SEExplore →
BuçacoBuçaco20 km · NExplore →
PenelaPenela20 km · SExplore →
Mondego RiverMondego River20 km · WExplore →
CantanhedeCantanhede22 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town University of Coimbra (10)

Instituto Justiça e Paz

Arts centre in Coimbra focusing on themes of justice and peace.

Universidade de Coimbra

Public university in Coimbra, one of the oldest universities in Europe.

Biblioteca Joanina

Baroque library in Coimbra, known for its gilded woodwork and book collection.

Capela de São Miguel

Chapel of the University of Coimbra, with an ornate organ.

Antiga Sala do Trono

Former throne room in Coimbra, part of the university.

Museu dos Transportes Urbanos de Coimbra🏛 museum

Museum in Coimbra showcasing the history of the city's public transport.

Museu Machado de Castro🏛 museum

Building in Coimbra, housing a museum with sculptures and archaeological finds.

Igreja de São João de Almedina⛪ church

Church building in Portugal, located in Coimbra.

Sé Velha de Coimbra

Building in Coimbra, the old cathedral of the city, Romanesque style.

Igreja de São Salvador⛪ church

Church in Coimbra.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is the university open to visitors?
Yes, historical areas like the library and the tower are open daily.
What is the most famous sight here?
The 18th-century baroque Biblioteca Joanina is world-famous.
Is photography allowed in the library?
No, photography inside the Biblioteca Joanina is strictly prohibited.
How old is the university?
Founded in 1290, it is one of the oldest universities in the world.
Are there students in traditional dress?
Yes, many students still wear the traditional black cape (Traje).
University of Coimbra: where is it located?
University of Coimbra is located in Portugal.
University of Coimbra: what is there to see?
Highlights include Instituto Justiça e Paz, Universidade de Coimbra, Biblioteca Joanina.
University of Coimbra: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
University of Coimbra: why is it worth visiting?
The University of Coimbra is the oldest university in Portugal and one of the oldest continuously operating universities in the world.
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Nearby cities

Lousã — University of Coimbra (Portugal)
Lousã
Lousã is located in the Coimbra District.
Penela — University of Coimbra (Portugal)
Penela
Penela is a historical city in the Coimbra District.
Cantanhede — University of Coimbra (Portugal)
Cantanhede
Cantanhede is located in the Coimbra District.
Soure — University of Coimbra (Portugal)
Soure
Soure is located in the Coimbra District.
Sangalhos — University of Coimbra (Portugal)
Sangalhos
The heart of the Bairrada wine region, famous for sparkling wines and the Aliança Underground Museum.
Oliveira do Bairro — University of Coimbra (Portugal)
Oliveira do Bairro
Located in the Aveiro district, Oliveira do Bairro is the heart of the Bairrada wine region, famous for its sparkling wines and roasted s…
Quiaios — University of Coimbra (Portugal)
Quiaios
Quiaios is a charming coastal village in central Portugal, renowned for its expansive sandy beaches and natural beauty.
Mira — University of Coimbra (Portugal)
Mira
A coastal town in Central Portugal, famous for its white sandy beach, striped wooden houses, and the Barrinha lagoon.
Pombal — University of Coimbra (Portugal)
Pombal
Pombal is a charming city dominated by an imposing medieval castle, closely linked to the history of the Marquis of Pombal.
Praia de Mira — University of Coimbra (Portugal)
Praia de Mira
Praia de Mira is a charming Portuguese coastal town known for its traditional fishing heritage and expansive sandy beaches.
Tondela — University of Coimbra (Portugal)
Tondela
Tondela is a city in the Viseu District.
Caramulo — University of Coimbra (Portugal)
Caramulo
A mountain town in Central Portugal, famous for its pure air, world-class vintage car museum, and spectacular views from the Caramulo range.
Gafanha da Boa Hora — University of Coimbra (Portugal)
Gafanha da Boa Hora
Located near the Ria de Aveiro, this peaceful coastal spot offers expansive sandy shores, pine forests, and pristine natural environments.
Aveiro — University of Coimbra (Portugal)
Aveiro
Aveiro is Portugal's famous lagoon city and is often marketed as the country's Venice.
Coimbrão — University of Coimbra (Portugal)
Coimbrão
Coimbrão is a charming Portuguese parish known for its immense pine forests and beautiful freshwater lagoon offering calm sandy shores.

History & landmarks

Conímbriga — University of Coimbra (Portugal)
Conímbriga
One of the largest and best-preserved Roman settlements in Portugal, famous for its intricate mosaics.
Buçaco — University of Coimbra (Portugal)
Buçaco
A magical national forest featuring a magnificent palace and centuries-old monastic traditions.
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Pousaflores Castle
This small castle ruin in the municipality of Ansião dates from the time of the Reconquista.
Leiria Castle — University of Coimbra (Portugal)
Leiria Castle
Leiria Castle dominates the city from a hill.

Nature

Mondego River — University of Coimbra (Portugal)
Mondego River
The Mondego River is the longest river that starts and ends entirely in Portugal.
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Lagoa da Pampilhosa
This lake is located in the central mountain region of Portugal.
Sapal de Vougela Nature Reserve — University of Coimbra (Portugal)
Sapal de Vougela Nature Reserve
This area protects the riparian regions of the Vouga river.

More places

Coimbra Botanical Garden — University of Coimbra (Portugal)
Coimbra Botanical Garden
A historically significant botanical garden that belongs to the University of Coimbra.
Palácio de São Marcos — University of Coimbra (Portugal)
Palácio de São Marcos
This palace near Coimbra dates from the 15th century.
Serra da Lousã — University of Coimbra (Portugal)
Serra da Lousã
The Serra da Lousã mountain range spans the districts of Coimbra and Leiria.
Serra da Lousã North — University of Coimbra (Portugal)
Serra da Lousã North
The northern part of the Lousã range shows a pronounced ridge structure towards Coimbra.
Serra do Caramulo South — University of Coimbra (Portugal)
Serra do Caramulo South
The southern area shows clear erosion due to its proximity to the watercourses of the Dão.
Figueira da Foz Cork Processing — University of Coimbra (Portugal)
Figueira da Foz Cork Processing
Figueira da Foz hosts facilities for processing cork.
Serra do Caramulo — University of Coimbra (Portugal)
Serra do Caramulo
This mountain range stretches between the Vouga and Mondego rivers.
Águeda Bicycle Industry — University of Coimbra (Portugal)
Águeda Bicycle Industry
Águeda is the leading hub for bicycle production in Europe.