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PLACES TO VISIT Monuments University of Coimbra
PLACES TO VISIT Monuments University of Coimbra
| University of Coimbra |
The University of Coimbra is one of the oldest in Europe. Founded in Lisbon by King Dinis in 1290, it was finally transferred to Coimbra in 1537, occupying the buildings of the medieval royal Palace. During the reigns of João V and José I the university was extensively restructured, not only in its teaching but also by the construction of new buildings in Baroque or neo-classical style.
Joanine Library (Biblioteca Joanina) Begun in 1717 at the instigation of King João V, its unique style make it Portugal’s most famous library. On the upper floor, the library has three rooms linked by arches of polychrome wood, structurally identical to the main doorway. The walls are lined with bookcases lacquered in red and dark green with gilded chinoiserie decoration. In typical Baroque style, the rooms are full of trompe-l’oeil decorative features. The 250,000 books date from the 12th to the 19th centuries, and deal mainly with civil and canon law, theology and philosophy.
St Michael’s Chapel
Construction began in 1517, directed by the architect Marcos Pires. The facade has a Manueline doorway; entry is by a side door in neo-classical style. The chapel has a splendid Baroque organ dated 1733, decorated with carving and chinoiserie in the style of João V. The walls of the nave and the chancel are lined with 17th- and 18th-century carpet-style tiles. The main altarpiece, in Mannerist style, dates from 1605. Medieval & Academic Prison As the University had its own private law court, it had to have a prison for convicted students and scholars, which functioned from 1782 until the court was abolished in 1832. Situated on the lower floor of the Joanine library, it consisted of small vaulted rooms with no direct light, and was considered unhealthy by the prisoners. Weapons Room (Sala das Armas) This was part of the royal wing of the former palace. It contains a display of weapons (halberds) of the Royal Academic Guard, still used today by the University Guards on ceremonial occasions. Grand Hall - Sala dos Capelos It is in this hall that the most important University ceremonies take place, such as honoris causa doctorates, the investiture of the Rector and the official opening of classes. Originally it was the throne room of the royal palace; its present appearance is the result of rebuilding work in the 2nd half of the 17th century. In the early 18th century the panelling was refurbished and the upper walls decorated with paintings of the kings of Portugal, while the lower walls were covered with carpet-style tiles from Lisbon. The panelled ceiling, painted with garlands and grotesques, bears the date of 1655. Private Examination Room In this room, up to the 2nd half of the 19th century, the private examination, which preceded the doctorate, was held. Alterations were carried out in 1701/1702. The paintings show the University rectors from the 16th to the 18th centuries; on the ceiling and above the doors are the emblems of the various faculties. The 18th-century blue and white tiles covering the lower part of the walls were made locally. Places included in the visit: – Joanine Library – Medieval & Academic prison – Weapons Room* – Sala dos Capelos* – Private Examination Room* – St Michael’s University Chapel * Visit depending on use of the rooms Between 1 November & 25 March: Mon. - Fri. Ticket office: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tourist circuit: 9.30 a.m. - 1 p.m. / 2 p.m. - 5.30 p.m. Weekend Ticket office: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tourist circuit: 10.30 a.m. - 4.30 p.m. Between 26 March & 31 October: Ticket office: 8.30 a.m. - 7 p.m. Tourist circuit: 9 a.m. - 7.30 p.m. Prices:
Ticket to Paço das Escolas: EUR 7,00
includes a visit to the Sala dos Capelos, Private Examination Room, Weapons Room, Joanine Library (first floor and medium level) , St Michael's Chapel and Academic Prison Discounted price: 5,50€ / pax Students, Teachers (portuguese and foreign); people over age 65. Children up to age 12 – free (to the Paço das Escolas) Note: Cards must be shown to claim reduction. Bus: 1A, 34, 103 |
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Contact: Universidade de Coimbra
Telephone: 239 859 818 (Reservas)
E-mail: reservas@ci.uc.pt
Fax: 239 825 841 (Reservas)
Address: Paço das Escolas - 3000-451 Coimbra
Information: htttp://www.uc.pt
GPS Information
Latitude: 40.207981
Longitude: -8.417890
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