UC Groups - University without Joanina Library

Average Tour Duration: 2h

The monumental space of the University of Coimbra is one of the most important legacies in the history of Portugal.

The guided tour is made by a specialized guide that will allow you to enjoy the spaces in a unique way and to know a place classified as World Heritage in 2013. There are more than seven centuries of academic history, traditions and rituals. Come discover them with us!

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Royal Palace

The building currently known as the Royal Palace was built at the end of the 10th century, serving as a fortress for the governor of the city during Islamic rule. In 1131, it became the first Portuguese royal household, the residence of Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal. In 1537, during the reign of King John III, the University was permanently relocated from Lisbon to Coimbra, having been established in this building in 1544. This building is divided into 3 spaces: The Armory This room is thus named because it was the first line of defence in the protection of the Princes, given their importance in the line of succession to the throne. Later, this space was also used to store the weapons of the old Academic Royal Guard. Today, they are used by the Archers (guards) during solemn academic ceremonies, such as the awarding of Honoris Causa doctoral degrees, the swearing in of the Rector and the solemn opening of the academic year. The Academic Royal Guard was the guard corps that ensured the security of the rector, the rector's house, the university buildings and the urban boundaries that fell within the jurisdiction of the University. The guards were originally known as Verdeais. After 1836, they became known as archers, even though they never used crossbows. They donned a kind of military uniform for daily use. Their current uniform dates back to the second half of the 20th century. The walls of the Yellow Room, adjacent to the Armory, are lined with yellow silk in honour of the Faculty of Medicine, because this is where the "Congregation of the Faculty of Medicine" would meet. This space was a meeting room where members of the Faculty would discuss a wide variety of issues. The other rooms, each with a different colour, represent the other faculties. The rooms are still used today for academic activities. The portraits of the University rectors who served in the 19th and 20th centuries can still be seen. The Great Hall of Acts This hall is the most important space at the University of Coimbra. It was the old Throne Room, and was the residence of the kings of the first Portuguese dynasty between 1143 and 1383. Important events in the history of portugal took place here, such as the proclamation of King John I in 1385.After the University opened in the Palace of Schools, this space became the main hall of the University of Coimbra, where the most important ceremonies of the academic life took place. The current design of this hall is the result of renovations carried out in the mid-17th century. The walls were lined with "carpet-like" tiles manufactured in Lisbon. The wooden ceiling was renovated with 172 panels that look like grotesque motifs (representing sea monsters, Indians, mermaids, plants). The walls are lined with the portraits of all of the Portuguese kings - from King Afonso Henriques to King Manuel II - with the exception of the Phillipine dynasty (from 1580 to 1640). The new monarch, King John IV, offered the Crown of Portugal to Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in thanksgiving, proclaiming her the patroness of the Kingdom. This required the support of the lentes (lecturers) of Coimbra who, headed by the Rector, took a solemn oath to Our Lady in 1646, which was recorded on stone plaque in St. Michael's Chapel. Since then, Portuguese monarchs ceased to wear a crown. Private Examination Room During its existence as the royal palace, this space served as the king's quarters, but was later transformed into a venue where the graduates take their examinations. The examination consisted of an oral test taken at dusk. It was a private event, that is, only the student to be assessed and the professors could be in the room. This examination continued up until the second half of the 18th century, having been abolished during the reforms carried out by the Marquis of Pombal during the reign of King Joseph I. These reforms revolutionised education in Portugal, having a deep impact on the University of Coimbra, with the introduction of the ideas and values of the Enlightenment. The first great change was the expulsion of the Jesuits from the country. This was followed by the great reform to the University, which in particular saw the introduction of new areas of study such as Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Astronomy. To achieve this, the Marquis carried out a series of architectural works that transformed the University spaces: the Botanical Garden and Astronomical Observatory, which were built in the Palace of Schools, but were demolished during the 1950s. In addition to this, the buildings left empty by the Society of Jesus were renovated: the Chemistry Laboratory (former Jesuit dining hall) and the College of Jesus, the order's former province house, where the Physics Office and the Natural History Gallery were built. Today, these spaces make up the Science Museum of the University of Coimbra. The ceiling in this room dates back to 1701. One can see the coat of arms of the Kingdom of Portugal and representations of the former great Faculties at the University of Coimbra: Theology (Cross and Sun), Law (Scale and Sword), Medicine (Swan and the Staff of Hermes) and Canon Law (Papal Mitre). The walls of the room contain portraits of the 38 rectors from the 16th to the 18th centuries, together with the length of their terms: the caption records the number of days, months, and years that the rector headed the University. Today, the Rector's term of office is limited to a maximum of 8 years (two 4-year terms).

Saint Michael's Chapel

The building of St. Michael's Chapel was probably built in the 12th century and served as the private oratory for the former Royal Palace. It is named after Archangel Michael, the protector of King Afonso Henriques (first king of Portugal). On the outside, the large portal dominates the façade. This naturalistic structure is flanked by two pillars covered in strong maritime symbolism. At the centre is the Portuguese Royal Crest, together with the Cross of Christ and the Armillary Sphere The current structure is the result of restoration to the Royal Palace, carried out during the 16th century on the orders of King Manuel. Inside the Chapel we find various decorative motifs with a distinctive religious theme. The current decor is the result of work carried out mainly in the 17th and 18th centuries. The highlights of this space, which is both sumptuous and harmonious, are the ceilings, the traditional tiled walls, the high altar, the Tabernacle and the organ. The large altar-piece, which covers the wall above the high altar with a large central throne, dates back to the 18th century and is decorated with golden gilt. To the left is a representation of Archangel Michael. In addition to the high altar, there are two other side altars; to the left is the altar of Our Lady of Light, the patronness of the academic community, and two smaller statues representing St. Joseph and St. Augustine; to the right is the altar of St. Catherine and the statues of Jesuits Ignatius of Loyola and Francis Borgia. Next to this altar is a statue of the Immaculate Conception, the patroness of the University and of Portugal.The white and blue patterned tiles lining the high altar were laid in 1613. The tiled walls, forming a kind of "carpet", that cover a large part of the chapel nave, were manufactured in Lisbon and laid in the mid-17th century. The ceiling above the high altar bears the insignia of the University of Coimbra, represented by a Christian figure and the emblems of the three major faculties, according to the old division of the university: Theology, Canon Law, Civil Law and Medicine; the ceiling of nave bears the royal coat of arms, surrounded by the three major archangels: St. Michael, St. Raphael, and St. Gabriel. The baroque Organ, dating back to 1737 and containing more than 2000 tubes, stands out in the decoration of Chapel. The organ is enclosed in a wooden box covered in gilded engravings and decorated with oriental motifs (chinoiserie). Comissioned by King John V, this organ was meant for a much larger church. This explains why it appears to be disproportionate to the space in which it finds itself.It is still used for concerts, masses and other religious ceremonies, and is in perfect working order. Above the Choir, set aside for the academic music group that plays during Sunday masses, is the royal tribune, the space with a privileged view of the Chapel where the royal family would attend ceremonies.

Science Museum - Chimico Laboratory

The Chemistry Laboratory is the most important Portuguese neoclassical building. Built in the 18th century to teach Experimental Chemistry during the reform of the University started by the Marquess of Pombal. it typifies the enlightenment ideal of pratical science education. Since 2006, it has housed some of the Science Museum's scientific collections, displayed in conjunction with interactive modules. It was awarded the Micheletti Prize in 2008. One of the oldest Jesuit colleges in the world. Jesus College was essential in missionaries academic training, playing an important role is establishing links between Europe, Africa, Brazil and Asia. After the Jesuit Company was expelled from Portugal in 1759, the College became the centre of the Pombaline Reformation, and was remodelled to incorporate the new Natural Philosophy and Mathematics Faculties. The Cabinet of Physics arose due to the transfer to Coimbra of the Experimental Physics Department of the Royal College of Nobles in Lisbon. This Cabinet was classified as a Historic Site by the European Physical Society in 2016. The Natural History Gallery hosts collections of items brought back from Africa, Goa and Brazil during the so-called "philosophical journeys" made in the 19th century by the Portuguese Empire, sponsored by the Crown.

Science Museum - College of Jesus

Jesus College College of Jesus, face to face with the Chimico Laboratory, is the reconstruction of the old building of the same name, established in 1542 and inaugurated in 1698 by the Company of Jesus. After the extinction of the Company in 1759, the Pombaline intervention between 1773 and 1775 adapted the college, which began to house the equipment intended for the experimental teaching of science. In this spirit, the offices of Natural History and Experimental Physics have been created in the building, preserved here to this day. Physics Cabinet The University of Coimbra's collection of physics instruments is one of the most remarkable and rare in Europe. Initially established at the Lisbon College of Nobles, it was transferred to Coimbra to found the Cabinet of Experimental Physics. What remains of the 18th Century Cabinet are true works of art, valued for the richness of materials and the perfection in execution that still occupy the original rooms and furniture. Because it remains in its original space maintaining its characteristics from the time of its founding and because its collection of scientific instruments is a remarkable representation of the evolution of physics in the 18th and 19th centuries, the Physics Cabinet has been classified as a Historic Site by the Society. Physics College in 2016. Natural History Gallery According to the University of Coimbra Statutes, the Natural History Office of the University of Coimbra should include collections resulting from harvests coordinated by the Faculty of Natural Philosophy professors. Thus, the progressive enrichment of the estate of this office took place, starting with the incorporation of a private collection of Vandelli and enriched with the shipments sent by Alexandre Rodrigues Ferreira collected during his Philosophica Trip to the Amazon. Today, the Natural History Gallery is developed by six permanent exhibition halls. The first room, called Domenico Vandelli's Office, features a number of collections that represent the oldest items of the museum, from the second half of the 18th century. This is followed by the Expeditions Room, where some specimens collected by Alexandre Rodrigues Ferreira are found. The next four rooms are the Sea, Africa, Ostriches and Portugal rooms.

Academic Museum

The Academic Museum has an exhibition with a unique contribution to the knowledge of student life in Coimbra and in the European identity. At the beginning of the 14th century, after the foundation of General Studies (1290), a unique link was established between the University and the city of Coimbra. It was in the Palace of Alcáçova, later the University Palace, that the bulk of university teaching would be concentrated while the life of the city grew between the hill and the Mondego. Already in the 18th century, the Marquis of Pombal instigated a profound reform of education by adding to the initial Faculties of Theology, Canons, Law and Medicine the Faculties of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy. These modifications introduced practical teaching, namely with the installation of the Cabinet of Experimental Physics and the Cabinet of Natural History (in the former Colégio de Jesus where we are now), as well as the building of the Laboratory of Chemistry. Today, the University of Coimbra, the oldest in Portugal and one of the oldest in the world, is a clear reference in the European Union. In the center of the first room we find a reproduction of the University Tower. This construction materializes in an iconic way the union between the city and the University. Inside it is possible to see one of its bells. To visit this space you can choose two ways: If you choose the city's door (left side) you can feel the atmosphere of a Republic and dive into the Burning of the Ribbons party. If you choose the University door, (right side), you will enter a classroom that will lead you later to the trophy room. Finally, both routes culminate in a small room dedicated to the music of Coimbra, present in the experiences of those who passed through here.

Cabinet of Curiosities

In this space you can experience a whole world made up of "bizarre", unusual and exquisite objects, which, due to their beauty and enigmatic character, will arouse curiosity, a sense of wonder and the desire to find out more by visitors of all ages. It is a "Theater of the World" open to families! In this place where the shifting lights guide the visitor, it is possible to have a sample of the fantastic collection that the University of Coimbra, as a result of the work of its scholars and researchers, has been building for the last 250 years. In this place there are no explanatory captions, because it is intended to recreate the pre-museum of science where contemplation and admiration were taken to the limit. The total immersion of visitors in this space efficiently seeks to encourage the visitor's will to explore and wander within the other spaces of the museum where organization and scientific information dominate. It intends to be an emotional and sensorial challenge for the understanding and experience of a museum with a classical structure, although progressively modernized.