Coimbra University

Coimbra University is one of Europe’s oldest universities

Coimbra University, located on a hilltop overlooking the Mondego River in Coimbra, is one of Europe’s oldest universities and is known for its beauty and extremely rich past.

King Dom Dinis founded the university predecessor in Lisbon in 1290. The location went back and forth on deciding whether it would be located in Lisbon or in Coimbra a couple times but it was permanently located in Coimbra in 1537. The King that decided it, Dom João III, offered the royal residence in Coimbra to house the university.

Following some heresy accusations about the professors, D. João III made the Jesuits responsible for the education, transforming it into a very prestigious institution.

However, during the 17th and 18th century the establishment experienced a downfall until Marquis of Pombal implemented an educational reform in 1770.

 

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In 1911 another reform took place. Up until that point, the students were under an independent legislation that applied to the university only, with specific sentences and prisons.

Today the university is an icon of Portugal’s higher education and it famous for its academic traditions and parties.

All of the university has iconic and historical places. The bell tower called ‘a Cabra’ (the goat) is undeniably important. The bells rang to warn the students that it was curfew time in the old times.

The library from the 18th century is another famous room of the university and the decoration is exquisite.

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