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Trip Planner:   Europe  /  Portugal  /  Central Portugal  /  Coimbra District  /  Coimbra  /  University of Coimbra

University of Coimbra, Coimbra

4.5
#1 of 44 in Childrens Museums in Portugal
Must see · World heritage site · University / School · Science Museum
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Take a tour of University of Coimbra, one of the world's oldest operating universities and a World Heritage Site. Established in 1290, it is a founding member of the Coimbra Group, which incorporates the leading European research universities. Approximately 20,000 students attend the institution, studying the arts, engineering, humanities, mathematics, natural sciences, social sciences, sports, and technology. You can take a guided tour of this historical complex, which covers the Royal Palace, St. Michael's Chapel, Baroque Library, and Academic Prison. Plan trip to Coimbra with our itinerary maker to find out where to go and what to do.
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University of Coimbra reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
3,532 reviews
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4.6
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  • We did a 2 day roadtrip between Porto and Lisbon and decided to stop at Coimbra to see the famous library. Note: We did not plan ahead which is not our style but luckily it worked out for us... 
    We did a 2 day roadtrip between Porto and Lisbon and decided to stop at Coimbra to see the famous library. Note: We did not plan ahead which is not our style but luckily it worked out for us...  more »
  • The university of coimbra is a precious jewel of portuguese heritage. In addition to everything you normally visit, I highly recommend the Cabinet of Curiosities and the Physics Laboratory. The... 
    The university of coimbra is a precious jewel of portuguese heritage. In addition to everything you normally visit, I highly recommend the Cabinet of Curiosities and the Physics Laboratory. The...  more »
Google
  • someone very close to me used to say this, Portugal will be a great place without the Portuguese ppl. University of Coimbra has beautiful buildings with astonishing history, great students with studious attitude and desire to experience life, but some senior staffs (at least to my experience) can be a tiny little.bit of conservative and old fashioned. I understand why they reacted this way when a person speaking to them a language they did not understand. But still, a tiny smile wouldn't hurt. ok, I know 99.99% of Portuguese are lovely, especially the young ones, but still, for my psychological health, I need to rant~
  • Great Acts Room This space is the most important room at the University of Coimbra. It was the former Throne Room and, between 1143 and 1383, was the home of the kings of the 1st Portuguese dynasty. In it, important episodes in the History of Portugal took place, such as the acclamation of King D. João I, in 1385. With the installation of the University in the Palace, this space became the main room of the University of Coimbra, as it is here that the most important ceremonies of academic life. The current configuration of this room results from the renovation that was carried out in the mid-17th century. The walls were covered with wainscoting of “carpet type” tiles, made in Lisbon. The ceiling, with 172 wooden panels, features grotesque motifs (representing sea monsters, Indians, mermaids, plants).

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