Page 200 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Portugal

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COIMBRA

UNIVERSITY

EXPERIENCE The Beiras station A # Summer: 9am–7:30pm daily;
! E3 ⌂ Paço das Escolas @ 103 from train
winter: 9am–1pm, 2–5pm daily ¢ 1 Jan,
1 May, 24, 25 & 31 Dec ∑ visit.uc.pt
A trip to Coimbra would not be complete
without a visit to the historic university,
which dominates the city. The complex is
home to graceful buildings, hallowed halls
and quirky traditions. Students outside
the Via Latina
In 1290, King Dinis founded a university in Lisbon, The Sala do Exame
which became one of the world’s oldest and most Privado is the private
illustrious institutions. In 1537, it was transferred examination hall.
to Coimbra and located in what used to be King
Afonso’s palace. Study was mostly of canon and
civil law, medicine and letters (grammar and
philosophy) until reforms by the Marquês de
Pombal in the 1770s broadened the curriculum.
Several 19th-century literary figures, including
Eça de Queirós, were alumni of Coimbra. Many
buildings were replaced after the 1940s, but the
halls around the Pátio das Escolas echo with 700
years of learning. It will come as no surprise that
the university is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

As well as works of art on religious
themes, the Museu de Arte Sacra
has vestments, chalices and
books of early sacred music.

Portrait of João V
(c 1730)

The 16th-
century portal
of Capela de
São Miguel, by
Marcos Pires,
is Manueline
in style.
Capela de
São Miguel

Biblioteca
Joanina
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