Paço das Escolas, University of Coimbra

On the north side of the square, an elegant staircase leads to the arcades of the so-called Via Latina, which was added to the palace in the 18th century. The auditorium was originally the ballroom of the palace; it was recreated in the 16th century and redesigned under João V in the 18th century. The large clock tower at the end of the portico in the north-west corner of the square, also from the 18th century, is a fine example of the late Baroque Joanino style from the time of João V. It is located at the highest point of the city and because it towers above all other buildings he became the symbol of Coimbra. Next to the tower is the entrance to a two-story cloister with access to the lecture halls that are now used by the law school.On the west side of the square is the university church, which combines different styles. It was built in the place of a medieval prayer room from 1517. The Manueline windows and the braided archway in front of the choir also date from this period. The wood-carved altar with column-framed paintings is one of the purest works of Portuguese Mannerism. Classical elements of the Renaissance were combined to form an aedicule. The altar was created in 1612/13 in collaboration with various Portuguese artists. The ceiling, painted with floral motifs, dates from the 17th century, the organ from 1733. The side portal of the church was built in the Manueline style in 1517-21. It shows two symbols that are often found in Portugal, namely the Christ Knight's Cross and the so-called armillary sphere as a sign of Portugal's great affinity with seafaring.

A stunning square to the university of Coimbra. This is a historic university built on the grounds of a former palace, the university is famed for its baroque library, the Biblioteca Joanina, and its 18th-century bell tower...simply beautiful. If you want to see the Biblioteca then the lines are long.

The historic square of the University of Coimbra offers a magnificent view and is also used for events, among other things. The well-known Biblioteca Joanina is also located here.