Sitting majestically atop the city of Coimbra, the University of Coimbra is not only the oldest in Portugal—it’s one of the oldest universities in continuous operation in the world, founded in 1290. At the heart of its historic campus lies the Joanina Library, an extraordinary Baroque masterpiece that holds centuries of Portuguese knowledge and beauty.
For travelers seeking culture, architecture, and history, this is a must-visit stop, and with Portugal Magik Private Tours, it becomes a seamless, enriching experience guided by experts.
🏛️ A Brief History – The Royal Academy of Portugal
Founded in Lisbon in 1290, the university was transferred to Coimbra permanently in 1537 by King João III.
Since then, it has become Portugal’s premier academic institution, attracting scholars, royalty, and artists for over 700 years.
The university is part of UNESCO’s World Heritage list since 2013, recognized for its unique integration of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture.
📚 The Joanina Library – A Baroque Masterpiece
The Joanina Library (Biblioteca Joanina) is truly one of the most beautiful libraries in the world—and not just for its looks.
Why it’s so remarkable:
Commissioned by King João V in the early 1700s during Portugal’s golden age
Constructed entirely in Baroque style, with gold leaf, intricate wood carvings, and dramatic trompe-l’oeil painting
Holds over 60,000 rare volumes, many dating back to the 16th century
Built with 1.2-meter-thick walls to regulate humidity naturally
Houses a colony of resident bats that protect the books from insects (yes, really!)
📸 Photography is not allowed inside—but the memory will last forever.
👀 What You’ll See on a Guided Visit
When visiting with Portugal Magik or on a curated private tour, you’ll explore:
📖 1. The Noble Floor of the Library
The main library room is where gold and grandeur meet learning—lined with exotic woods and illuminated by natural light from high arched windows.
🏛️ 2. Academic Prison (Yes, a Real Jail)
Beneath the library is a former university prison used for academic disciplinary issues, reflecting the university’s semi-autonomous judicial system in past centuries.
⛪ 3. Chapel of São Miguel
This ornate university chapel features a magnificent 18th-century Baroque pipe organ and beautiful tile work—still used for ceremonial purposes.
🏫 4. Royal Palace (Paço das Escolas)
The former royal palace is now the heart of the university, with elegant halls and courtyards that have seen generations of scholars and monarchs.
🎓 Local Traditions & Student Culture
Even today, Coimbra University has a rich academic culture:
“Praxe” rituals – centuries-old initiation traditions still practiced today
Black cloaks – students wear formal academic robes, which inspired the “Hogwarts” look in the Harry Potter series
Fado de Coimbra – a unique, melancholic style of Portuguese fado music, sung only by male students
🎶 Portugal Magik can arrange an evening Fado performance in Coimbra’s old town for a complete cultural experience.
🧭 Tips Before You Visit
🎟️ Advance tickets are required for the library and palace complex (especially in summer)
⏰ Ideal visit time: Morning or early afternoon for fewer crowds
🚶 Be ready for cobblestone walking and hilly streets—comfortable shoes are a must
📷 Photos are allowed outside and in certain areas of the complex, but not inside the library
🚘 Explore Coimbra with Portugal Magik Private Tours
Visiting Coimbra with Portugal Magik means you’ll get personalized insights, skip the logistics, and enjoy a curated experience tailored to your interests.
