The University of Coimbra

Anyone visiting Coimbra can’t miss this remarkable place. A living monument to Portugal’s contributions to science, the arts, and culture, the University of Coimbra embodies more than seven centuries of the nation’s history. Although Coimbra lost its status as capital to Lisbon in 1256, it gained something just as prestigious in return: the University, founded in 1290. Lisbon made several attempts to reclaim it, but none of them worked. In 1537, the University was relocated to Coimbra, in the former royal palace. The building was renovated to serve academic life at the request of King João III. Thanks to the king’s strong commitment to education, and the reforms led by the Marquis of Pombal, who opposed the Jesuits’ restrictive control over learning, the institution flourished and began to rival its European counterparts. While it began with courses in the arts and law, the curriculum expanded in the late 18th century to include science and medicine. The 19th and 20th centuries were very turbulent for the University. It faced competition from newly established institutions in Porto and Lisbon, then suffered under Prime Minister Salazar, whose regime left soulless buildings that clashed with the historical character of the campus. However, the University of Coimbra has now reclaimed much of its former glory. Its highlights are breathtaking, including the Joanina Library, voted the world’s most beautiful library in 2012, the São Miguel Chapel with its brilliant azulejo tiles, and even the university prison, where unruly students were once held. Thankfully, that tradition ended in 1832. Now home to around 25,000 students, the university is a significant source of pride for the city. Not only is it the second-oldest university on the Iberian Peninsula after Salamanca, but it’s also been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2013. Until 1911, it was the only university of its kind in the country. It’s a true national treasure, through and through!