The University of Coimbra is a milestone in the history of the city. Not for nothing, Coimbra is known for being the city of the students. It was founded in 1290 and settled officially in the city in 1537. It is one of the oldest universities in continuous operation in the world and one of the largest in Portugal.

Situated on the hill of the city, the University of Coimbra was the former Royal Palace in Portugal, where many important moments in the History of Portugal happened, including the birth and home of the first Kings of Portugal.

Currently, the University has 8 Faculties and 18 Museums, with about 25000 students! Visiting the University, do not fail to visit the “Biblioteca Joanina” (in English: Joanine Library), a library of the 18th century, in Baroque style. In 2013, it was even considered by the English newspaper "The Telegraph" as "the most spectacular library in the world". The following year, the library joined the list of World Monuments to Watch, by the WNF.

In 2013, the University of Coimbra was declared World Heritage by UNESCO, by its architectural and historical value.

Visit Coimbra!