Coimbra is a charming and captivating Portuguese city that invites us to explore its rich historical and cultural heritage through the narrow cobblestone streets winding through the hills. It is known as the City of Students due to the prominent role played by the University of Coimbra in the city and the lives of those who choose to study at this institution. The university has a long history, having been founded in 1290 by King Dinis, making it one of the oldest in the world.
But it’s not just the prestige and academic tradition of the University of Coimbra that attracts students, locals, and visitors from other borders. The institution has a hidden treasure – for many, it remains so – that guards secrets of culture and knowledge: the Joanina Library.
Built in 1717, by King João V, the space seems lost in time. The library is a unique testament to the grandeur of Baroque architecture, characterized by lavish ornamentation and the use of extraordinarily beautiful decorative elements. When you enter through the main door, you will understand what we are talking about! The richness of the painted ceilings and the exotic two-story wooden bookshelves create a magical atmosphere that will leave you impressed.
The shelves hold thousands of books on various subjects, with a focus on works of medicine, geography, history, science, philosophy, and theology. Some of them are extremely rare. In the vault of the Joanina Library, for example, you can find a Hebrew Bible, published in the second half of the 15th century, of which there are only about 20 copies in the world. There is also the 48 Lines Latin Bible (so named because it has exactly 48 lines per page), one of the first four printed Bibles.
For an even more complete experience, you can opt for a private tour of the Joanina Library, accompanied by a guide who is an expert in the history of the University of Coimbra and who will tell you interesting facts – and perhaps even secrets – about this space that has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2013. The tour provides access to private spaces of the University not accessible to the public, such as the St. Michael’s Chapel Sacristy, the High Choir of the Chapel, the Yellow Room, the Senate Room or the Private Chapel of the Rector.
One thing we guarantee on this visit is that you won’t remain indifferent. You will fall in love with the history, culture, and knowledge of this inspiring place, with its distinct and admirable architecture.