Visit University of Coimbra鈥檚 Historical Buildings, Coimbra, Portugal
Since it was the first capital of the newly formed Portugal, we knew Coimbra would have wonderful architecture. As we discovered it definitely does, especially the elegant royal palace. The unusual fate of these regal buildings is that they would end up being a part of a university campus. As we explored the University of Coimbra鈥檚 lovely historical buildings we couldn鈥檛 help but think of the lucky 16th century students who were able to study inside the former royal residence and read books in the lavish library.
At the end of the 13th century, King Dinis founded the University of Coimbra. This date makes it the oldest, continuously operating university in Portugal, and one of the oldest in the world. In its early years, the school had faculties of theology, law, medicine, and literature. Initially it was independent, but after a short while it merged with a Jesuit college.
In the 16th century the university was moved from Lisbon to Coimbra by King Jo茫o III. Coimbra was the first capital of Portugal so therefore, it was already filled with wonderful buildings, including the king鈥檚 palace. Since the capital had already been moved to Lisbon, what better use of the beautiful Alca莽ova Palace than as a centre for higher learning. That is how it came to be called Palace of Schools (Pa莽o das Escolas). ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).
At the end of the 13th century, King Dinis founded the University of Coimbra. This date makes it the oldest, continuously operating university in Portugal, and one of the oldest in the world. In its early years, the school had faculties of theology, law, medicine, and literature. Initially it was independent, but after a short while it merged with a Jesuit college.
In the 16th century the university was moved from Lisbon to Coimbra by King Jo茫o III. Coimbra was the first capital of Portugal so therefore, it was already filled with wonderful buildings, including the king鈥檚 palace. Since the capital had already been moved to Lisbon, what better use of the beautiful Alca莽ova Palace than as a centre for higher learning. That is how it came to be called Palace of Schools (Pa莽o das Escolas). ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).
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Sights Featured in This Article
Guide Name: Visit University of Coimbra鈥檚 Historical Buildings
Guide Location: Portugal » Coimbra
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Insider Tips)
Author: Maggie Kayes
Read it on Author's Website:
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
Guide Location: Portugal » Coimbra
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Insider Tips)
Author: Maggie Kayes
Read it on Author's Website:
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
- the University of Coimbra
- Pa莽o das Escolas
- Capela de S茫o Miguel
- Royal Palace
- Joanina Library
- The Academic Prison
- the Old Cathedral of Coimbra (S茅 Velha de Coimbra)
- Santa Cruz Church & Monastery
- Largo da Portagem (Place of the Gateway)
- St. Sebastian Aqueduct
- Porta F茅rrea (Iron Gate)
- the New Cathedral
- Barbican Gate
- Rua de Ferreira Borges
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