University of Coimbra – Alta and Sofia • XREI

The University of Coimbra, Alta and Sofia is a UNESCO World Heritage site in the old town of Coimbra, inscribed in 2013 under criteria (ii), (iv) and (vi). It covers two areas: the Alta, 29 hectares on the hill where the University has stood since 1537 in the Royal Palace of Alcáçova, and Sofia, 6.5 hectares of 16th-century colleges along Rua da Sofia in the lower town.

UNESCO describes the University as a reference for institutions of higher education in the Portuguese-speaking world, with its own ceremonial and cultural traditions kept alive through the ages.

The University of Coimbra on the hill above the city — The University of Coimbra, on the hill of the Alta above the city.

What to see at the University of Coimbra

Paço das Escolas: the former Royal Palace of Alcáçova around its courtyard, the home of the University since 1537, entered through the Porta Férrea.
Biblioteca Joanina: the Baroque library of the University, built in the 18th century in the reign of King João V, with richly decorated reading rooms.
Chapel of São Miguel: the University chapel, with a Manueline portal, gilded altarpieces and a Baroque organ.
Sala dos Capelos: the great hall of the palace, where the main academic ceremonies, such as doctoral degrees, take place.
University Tower: the 18th-century bell tower that marked the academic day, with a view over the city.
Botanical Garden and University Press: facilities of the 18th-century reform of the University, listed by UNESCO.
University City: the large group of faculty buildings built around the Paço das Escolas in the 1940s.
Rua da Sofia: the street of the 16th-century colleges in the lower town, with the Santa Cruz Monastery.

History of the University of Coimbra

1290: King Dinis founds the university, first in Lisbon, which moves between Lisbon and Coimbra in the following centuries.
1537: King João III settles the University in Coimbra, in the Royal Palace of Alcáçova.
16th century: colleges are built along Rua da Sofia and in the Alta.
18th century: the Biblioteca Joanina is built, and the reform of the Marquis of Pombal adds laboratories, the Botanical Garden and the University Press.
1940s: the University City is built in the Alta.
2013: UNESCO inscribes the University of Coimbra, Alta and Sofia on the World Heritage List at its 37th session.

Visiting the University of Coimbra

Tickets: the Paço das Escolas, the Joanina library, the chapel and the tower are visited with tickets sold by the University, and entry to the library is by timed slot.
Nearby: the Old Cathedral stands just below the Paço das Escolas, in the Alta.