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Versão portuguesa aqui.
GPS 40.20749420913234, -8.426047936775166
The Paço das Escolas, also called Paços da Universidade de Coimbra and formerly known as Paço Real da Alcáçova (13th-16th century) and Alcáçova de Coimbra (10th-12th century), is the architectural complex that houses the historic center of the University from Coimbra.
Located in the parish of Coimbra (Sé Nova, Santa Cruz, Almedina and São Bartolomeu), city and municipality of Coimbra, in the (District of Coimbra), it was built over several hundred years, having been the Royal Palace since the reign of D. Dinis until the 16th century, when it was acquired by the University.
Due to its exceptional cultural importance, it was classified as a National Monument in 1910 and has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List since June 2013.
History / Points of interest
In the heterogeneous architectural ensemble that is today the University of Coimbra, the historic Pátio and Paço das Escolas stand out. The original construction, the Alcáçova (fortified palace where the governor of the city lived during the period of Muslim rule), was built under the orders of Almançor at the end of the 10th century. From 1131, the Royal Palace of Alcáçova would be inhabited by D. Afonso Henriques, becoming the first royal palace in the country. It was here that practically all the kings of the first dynasty were born. From the reign of D. Dinis, the Palace was progressively abandoned, until the 16th century. XVI (reign of D. Manuel I), when a major renovation of the buildings begins. In 1544, during the reign of King João III, all the faculties of the University of Coimbra were installed there. After being acquired by King Filipe I, in 1597 the former Palace of Alcáçova became the property of the University, finally taking on the name of Palace of Schools.
Iron Gate
Destined to solemnize the entrance to the university grounds, the Porta Férrea was the first significant work after the acquisition of the building. The construction of this complex dates back to 1634 and resulted from the initiative of D. Álvaro da Costa, then Rector of the University. Designed by the architect António Tavares, it was conceived as a double-sided triumphal arch (following the tradition of the military vault), and features the main figures of the institution of the University – D. Dinis, who is at the origin of its foundation, and D. João III, who installed it definitively in Coimbra –, surmounted by the figure of Sapiência. In the portals we still find representations of the old faculties – Theology, Medicine, Laws and Canons. The sculptural groups are by Manuel de Sousa.
University tower
Designed by the Italian architect António Cannevari, the University Tower was built between 1728 and 1733 to replace the previous one, by João de Ruão (1561). The Tower clock played a key role in university daily life, being associated with the sound signals emitted by the bells, four in total, of which the best known occupies the face facing the river, being commonly called goat. The Tower was recently the subject of an intervention that allowed visitors to travel to its top, becoming an elevated viewpoint overlooking the city of Coimbra.
Via Latina
The Via Latina is the long veranda, topped by an elegant neoclassical colonnade, located on the main façade of the former Royal Palace, overlooking the Pátio das Escolas. It was built during the reign of King João V and its current configuration dates back to 1773. The name derives from the official teaching language at the University until the Pombaline Reform of 1772, when Portuguese replaced Latin as the official language. A large pediment dominates the whole, highlighting the national arms and, at the top, the omnipresent figure of Sapiência. Inside, in the centre, you can appreciate the portico by Claude Laprade (1682-1738), dating from 1700-1702, to which the bust of King José I was added in the 1773 renovation. It is still today the central location for students and former students, and it is here that, for example, the course photos are taken when placing the Ribbons in the academic folder.
Great Hall of Acts
Also known as Sala dos Capelos (the name given to the ornamental cover used by the University's Doctors on solemn occasions), the Sala Grande dos Atos is where the most important ceremonies of academic life take place. Of the various ceremonies that take place there, the defense of the PhD thesis should be highlighted. Formerly the Throne Room of the Royal Palace of Alcáçova, important episodes in the life of the Portuguese nation took place in this room, and it was here that, in 1383, the Cortes met to acclaim King of Portugal D. João, Master of Avis.
In the 17th century, the Sala Grande dos Atos was definitively transformed by the master builder António Tavares (also responsible for other works at the University). At the beginning of the 18th century, it was once again subjected to works (at the time directed by Gaspar Ferreira), with the roof being renovated and the walls reinforced, closing the windows, balconies and Manueline doors. The ceiling panels are by Jacinto Pereira da Costa, the general painting works dating from the mid-17th century; In smaller projects, Inácio da Fonseca and Luís Álvares worked. The canvases representing the Kings of Portugal (from D. Afonso Henriques to D. João IV) are by the Danish painter living in Portugal Carlos Falch; the rest are by different authors, including João Batista Ribeiro and Columbano
Private Exam Room
This room was an integral part of the former Royal Palace, which was where the monarch spent the night. It would later become the Private Examination Room (the Private Examination was a solemn, nocturnal event where, behind closed doors, the degree test was given). It is here that the Solemn Opening Ceremony of Classes still takes place today.
The configuration of the Private Examination Room is the result of the remodeling of 1701 (carried out by the University's master builder, José Cardoso). The decoration includes a paneling of tiles executed by Agostinho de Paiva, and a set of paintings portraying former rectors. The ceiling painting was the work of José Ferreira Araújo.
Weapons Room and Yellow Room
The Weapons Room (or Archers Room) houses the weapons (halberds) of the extinct Royal Academic Guard, used in solemn academic ceremonies by Archers on the occasion of solemn Doctorates and Honoris causa, Investiture of the Rector, Solemn Opening of Classes. The Yellow Room, adjacent to the Archeiros Room, has walls covered in yellow silk (an allusion to the Faculty of Medicine), featuring portraits of this University's rectors (19th century).
Chapel of São Miguel
The construction of a small private oratory at the Royal Palace probably dates back to the 16th century. XII. The Chapel of São Miguel, which replaced it, dates from the 16th century. XVI, having been sponsored by D. Manuel I, whose decorative style is evident in the lateral Manueline Portal, in the large windows of the central nave and in the cross arch. The works were directed by Marcos Pires and finished by Diogo de Castilho. The chapel was subject to later renovations. The main altarpiece, whose joinery was designed in 1605 by Bernardo Coelho and executed by the engraver and sculptor Simão da Mota, is in gilded woodwork, highlighting Mannerist paintings on the life of Christ attributed to Simão Rodrigues and Domingos Vieira Serrão; the altarpiece is considered a masterpiece of Portuguese mannerism. The organ, in Baroque style, was built in 1733 by Friar Manuel Gomes; remains functional. The carpet-like tiles in the nave and chancel were made in Lisbon and date from the 17th century, as well as the painting on the ceiling, by Francisco F. de Araújo; the altar is from the 17th century. XVIII.
Joanine Library
An exponent of the Portuguese Baroque and one of the richest European libraries, the Casa da Livraria, later called the Joanina Library, was built between 1717 and 1728. It was built by Gaspar Ferreira, although the authorship of the project is unknown. Masters such as Manuel da Silva, Simões Ribeiro and Vicente Nunes contributed to its decoration. It will be known as Joanina Library in honor and memory of King D. João V (1707-1750), sponsor of its construction and whose portrait from 1725, by Domenico Duprà, dominates the last room. It was built in order to exalt the monarch and the wealth of the Portuguese Empire, namely from Brazil, and is fully lined with shelves lined with gold leaf and decorated with Chinese motifs. It received the first books after 1750 and its collection has around 55,000 books.
The building has three floors, with the noble space of the library (consisting of three communicating rooms) located on the upper level, with direct access through the Pátio das Escolas through a noble Baroque-style portal, like a triumphal arch, flanked by Ionic columns and surmounted by a magnificent royal coat of arms. The lower floor once housed the Academic Prison.
Minerva's Stairs
The Minerva Stairs were built in 1725 under the direction of Gaspar Ferreira, due to the construction of the Joanina Library. One of the entrances to the Pátio and Paço das Escolas remain.
Statue of D. João III
Designed by Francisco Franco, the Statue of D. João III was erected in 1950 on the occasion of homage to D. João III, to whom the definitive installation of the University in Coimbra (1537) was due.
Versão portuguesa aqui.
GPS 40.20749420913234, -8.426047936775166
The Paço das Escolas, also called Paços da Universidade de Coimbra and formerly known as Paço Real da Alcáçova (13th-16th century) and Alcáçova de Coimbra (10th-12th century), is the architectural complex that houses the historic center of the University from Coimbra.
Located in the parish of Coimbra (Sé Nova, Santa Cruz, Almedina and São Bartolomeu), city and municipality of Coimbra, in the (District of Coimbra), it was built over several hundred years, having been the Royal Palace since the reign of D. Dinis until the 16th century, when it was acquired by the University.
Due to its exceptional cultural importance, it was classified as a National Monument in 1910 and has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List since June 2013.
History / Points of interest
In the heterogeneous architectural ensemble that is today the University of Coimbra, the historic Pátio and Paço das Escolas stand out. The original construction, the Alcáçova (fortified palace where the governor of the city lived during the period of Muslim rule), was built under the orders of Almançor at the end of the 10th century. From 1131, the Royal Palace of Alcáçova would be inhabited by D. Afonso Henriques, becoming the first royal palace in the country. It was here that practically all the kings of the first dynasty were born. From the reign of D. Dinis, the Palace was progressively abandoned, until the 16th century. XVI (reign of D. Manuel I), when a major renovation of the buildings begins. In 1544, during the reign of King João III, all the faculties of the University of Coimbra were installed there. After being acquired by King Filipe I, in 1597 the former Palace of Alcáçova became the property of the University, finally taking on the name of Palace of Schools.
Iron Gate
Destined to solemnize the entrance to the university grounds, the Porta Férrea was the first significant work after the acquisition of the building. The construction of this complex dates back to 1634 and resulted from the initiative of D. Álvaro da Costa, then Rector of the University. Designed by the architect António Tavares, it was conceived as a double-sided triumphal arch (following the tradition of the military vault), and features the main figures of the institution of the University – D. Dinis, who is at the origin of its foundation, and D. João III, who installed it definitively in Coimbra –, surmounted by the figure of Sapiência. In the portals we still find representations of the old faculties – Theology, Medicine, Laws and Canons. The sculptural groups are by Manuel de Sousa.
University tower
Designed by the Italian architect António Cannevari, the University Tower was built between 1728 and 1733 to replace the previous one, by João de Ruão (1561). The Tower clock played a key role in university daily life, being associated with the sound signals emitted by the bells, four in total, of which the best known occupies the face facing the river, being commonly called goat. The Tower was recently the subject of an intervention that allowed visitors to travel to its top, becoming an elevated viewpoint overlooking the city of Coimbra.
Via Latina
The Via Latina is the long veranda, topped by an elegant neoclassical colonnade, located on the main façade of the former Royal Palace, overlooking the Pátio das Escolas. It was built during the reign of King João V and its current configuration dates back to 1773. The name derives from the official teaching language at the University until the Pombaline Reform of 1772, when Portuguese replaced Latin as the official language. A large pediment dominates the whole, highlighting the national arms and, at the top, the omnipresent figure of Sapiência. Inside, in the centre, you can appreciate the portico by Claude Laprade (1682-1738), dating from 1700-1702, to which the bust of King José I was added in the 1773 renovation. It is still today the central location for students and former students, and it is here that, for example, the course photos are taken when placing the Ribbons in the academic folder.
Great Hall of Acts
Also known as Sala dos Capelos (the name given to the ornamental cover used by the University's Doctors on solemn occasions), the Sala Grande dos Atos is where the most important ceremonies of academic life take place. Of the various ceremonies that take place there, the defense of the PhD thesis should be highlighted. Formerly the Throne Room of the Royal Palace of Alcáçova, important episodes in the life of the Portuguese nation took place in this room, and it was here that, in 1383, the Cortes met to acclaim King of Portugal D. João, Master of Avis.
In the 17th century, the Sala Grande dos Atos was definitively transformed by the master builder António Tavares (also responsible for other works at the University). At the beginning of the 18th century, it was once again subjected to works (at the time directed by Gaspar Ferreira), with the roof being renovated and the walls reinforced, closing the windows, balconies and Manueline doors. The ceiling panels are by Jacinto Pereira da Costa, the general painting works dating from the mid-17th century; In smaller projects, Inácio da Fonseca and Luís Álvares worked. The canvases representing the Kings of Portugal (from D. Afonso Henriques to D. João IV) are by the Danish painter living in Portugal Carlos Falch; the rest are by different authors, including João Batista Ribeiro and Columbano
Private Exam Room
This room was an integral part of the former Royal Palace, which was where the monarch spent the night. It would later become the Private Examination Room (the Private Examination was a solemn, nocturnal event where, behind closed doors, the degree test was given). It is here that the Solemn Opening Ceremony of Classes still takes place today.
The configuration of the Private Examination Room is the result of the remodeling of 1701 (carried out by the University's master builder, José Cardoso). The decoration includes a paneling of tiles executed by Agostinho de Paiva, and a set of paintings portraying former rectors. The ceiling painting was the work of José Ferreira Araújo.
Weapons Room and Yellow Room
The Weapons Room (or Archers Room) houses the weapons (halberds) of the extinct Royal Academic Guard, used in solemn academic ceremonies by Archers on the occasion of solemn Doctorates and Honoris causa, Investiture of the Rector, Solemn Opening of Classes. The Yellow Room, adjacent to the Archeiros Room, has walls covered in yellow silk (an allusion to the Faculty of Medicine), featuring portraits of this University's rectors (19th century).
Chapel of São Miguel
The construction of a small private oratory at the Royal Palace probably dates back to the 16th century. XII. The Chapel of São Miguel, which replaced it, dates from the 16th century. XVI, having been sponsored by D. Manuel I, whose decorative style is evident in the lateral Manueline Portal, in the large windows of the central nave and in the cross arch. The works were directed by Marcos Pires and finished by Diogo de Castilho. The chapel was subject to later renovations. The main altarpiece, whose joinery was designed in 1605 by Bernardo Coelho and executed by the engraver and sculptor Simão da Mota, is in gilded woodwork, highlighting Mannerist paintings on the life of Christ attributed to Simão Rodrigues and Domingos Vieira Serrão; the altarpiece is considered a masterpiece of Portuguese mannerism. The organ, in Baroque style, was built in 1733 by Friar Manuel Gomes; remains functional. The carpet-like tiles in the nave and chancel were made in Lisbon and date from the 17th century, as well as the painting on the ceiling, by Francisco F. de Araújo; the altar is from the 17th century. XVIII.
Joanine Library
An exponent of the Portuguese Baroque and one of the richest European libraries, the Casa da Livraria, later called the Joanina Library, was built between 1717 and 1728. It was built by Gaspar Ferreira, although the authorship of the project is unknown. Masters such as Manuel da Silva, Simões Ribeiro and Vicente Nunes contributed to its decoration. It will be known as Joanina Library in honor and memory of King D. João V (1707-1750), sponsor of its construction and whose portrait from 1725, by Domenico Duprà, dominates the last room. It was built in order to exalt the monarch and the wealth of the Portuguese Empire, namely from Brazil, and is fully lined with shelves lined with gold leaf and decorated with Chinese motifs. It received the first books after 1750 and its collection has around 55,000 books.
The building has three floors, with the noble space of the library (consisting of three communicating rooms) located on the upper level, with direct access through the Pátio das Escolas through a noble Baroque-style portal, like a triumphal arch, flanked by Ionic columns and surmounted by a magnificent royal coat of arms. The lower floor once housed the Academic Prison.
Minerva's Stairs
The Minerva Stairs were built in 1725 under the direction of Gaspar Ferreira, due to the construction of the Joanina Library. One of the entrances to the Pátio and Paço das Escolas remain.
Statue of D. João III
Designed by Francisco Franco, the Statue of D. João III was erected in 1950 on the occasion of homage to D. João III, to whom the definitive installation of the University in Coimbra (1537) was due.
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