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Porta Férrea |
The University
In the higher part of the city. The older part is situated in the former royal palace that was restored in 1540, given by king D.João III when it was established in Coimbra in 1537. The entrance is through the Porta Férrea, dating back to the 17th century. It is a two sided gate with a statue of king D.Dinis and the king who gave the University to Coimbra, D.João III.
The courtyard is dominated by several ancient buildings.
- the school palace, a manuelin style building restored in the 18th century, where you will find the Sala dos Capelos, a splendid room in the university used for important ceremonies, there is a beautiful painted ceiling, azulejos, and the private exam room.
- The manuelin style chapel, decorated with azulejos. Inside there is also an 18th century organ. And close-by, the sacred art Museum.
- The 18th century university Tower that shelters the famous bell which the students call "Cabra" and which schedules the university life. The baroque tower is the ex-libris of Coimbra today.
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Coimbra - University Courtyard |
- The library built by king D.João V in 1724. It contains three richly decorated rooms with precious wooden furniture and luxurious bookcases. The collection includes 30000 books and 5000 manuscripts classified by subjects.
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Coimbra - 18th century Library |
In this older part of the university there only remains the Law Faculty, the other 7 faculties being in the buildings from the 40s that replace the old university buildings that Salazar had demolished.
Coimbra is a university town and the university has secular traditions which make it very special. The students wear black capes, black suits with white shirts (boys and girls) and schoolbags with colored ribbons, every colour indicating their faculty. This uniform is not compulsory and is very expensive.
At the beginning of May there is a big student festival, Queima das Fitas – which lasts 8 days, one day for each faculty, and transforms the city. The students wear their capes and their ribbons and those in their final year, burn their ribbons in a huge jar: the Queima das Fitas. During the last year, they have 4 wider ribbons, still in the colours of their faculty and they make their professors, friends, families and lovers sign them. After the ribbon burning ceremony, the celebration continues. There is the serenade in front of the former cathedral, the early evening dance, balls, concerts and during the day, a tank parade that represents the faculties and the social and political criticism of university life.
There are lots of other things that are a part of the university traditions like the "Républicas" (school residences), "Latada" (homecoming ceremonies at the beginning of the year to welcome the new students), etc.
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Mondego River |
Queima das Fitas |
Now we suggest a stroll in one of Coimbra's pleasant parks.
The Botanical garden was built on order of the Marquis de Pombal during the university reforms. It covers a large area and is considered as one of the most important in Portugal thanks to the great variety of plants that come from all over the world.
The Mermaid Garden or Parque de Santa Cruz is what is left of the property that was behind the Santa Cruz Convent and which was then dedicated to meditation. It contains different types of vegetation, benches, fountains, and an 18th century waterfall.
The Manga Garden was a part of the Santa Cruz convent and was built in 1530 probably thanks to king D.João III and the Renaissance architect Jean of Rouen.
