It is located in Paços das Escolas, Rua do Norte, City of Coimbra, Central Portugal
In the year 1728, this monument is considered the city's ex-libris and consists of a 34-meter-high tower, richly decorated and made up of several overlapping bodies.
The Paço das Escolas is dominated by one of the most symbolic structures in Coimbra, the 18th century tower that houses the clock and bells that regulate academic life.
Its origins date back to 1537 when, about to be housed in the Palace of D. João III, the University insisted that "there could be no good order without a clock”.
The proverbial goat thus became responsible for marking the beginning of study hours on every eve of the school day, and according to the old practice, students attending university for the first time cannot walk down the street after the bell rings.
The Tower bell rings at certain times to let students know when to go to class or when to go home.
The university is a must-see on any visit to Coimbra, especially the university's 18th century bell tower and this monument offers a splendid view over the university, Coimbra, the river and the surrounding landscape.
In the Tower there is a stone spiral staircase that is very narrow, and if you climb the 184 steps to the top of the bell tower you can see views of the city, and the staff ensure that no one crosses paths on the way up or down because the spaces are quite narrow.
The architecture here is simply stunning, and you can see a wonderful mosaic of the University seal in front of the main gate, then enter the main square with its bell tower, and spectacular buildings such as the Joanina Library and the many wonderfully ornate facades.
The Joanina Library at the University of Coimbra owes its name to the monarch who ordered it to be built in 1717, D. João V “the Magnanimous”, who became known as the great patron of culture, science and the arts, and this library is a notable testimony to the king's cultural policy.
In the portico of the elegant building, with four Ionic style columns, the majestic royal shield stands out, baroque, reflecting the spirit of magnificence characteristic of the most auspicious reign in the history of Portugal.
In this three-story building, two of which are underground, the walls covered in shelves hold thousands of copies, with emphasis on works on medicine, geography, history, humanistic studies, sciences, civil and canon law, philosophy and theology.
On weekends you can also find students selling various tourist items and playing traditional music in the courtyard.
The Paço das Escolas is dominated by one of the most symbolic structures in Coimbra, the 18th century tower that houses the clock and bells that regulate academic life.
Its origins date back to 1537 when, about to be housed in the Palace of D. João III, the University insisted that "there could be no good order without a clock”.
The proverbial goat thus became responsible for marking the beginning of study hours on every eve of the school day, and according to the old practice, students attending university for the first time cannot walk down the street after the bell rings.
The Tower bell rings at certain times to let students know when to go to class or when to go home.
The university is a must-see on any visit to Coimbra, especially the university's 18th century bell tower and this monument offers a splendid view over the university, Coimbra, the river and the surrounding landscape.
In the Tower there is a stone spiral staircase that is very narrow, and if you climb the 184 steps to the top of the bell tower you can see views of the city, and the staff ensure that no one crosses paths on the way up or down because the spaces are quite narrow.
The architecture here is simply stunning, and you can see a wonderful mosaic of the University seal in front of the main gate, then enter the main square with its bell tower, and spectacular buildings such as the Joanina Library and the many wonderfully ornate facades.
The Joanina Library at the University of Coimbra owes its name to the monarch who ordered it to be built in 1717, D. João V “the Magnanimous”, who became known as the great patron of culture, science and the arts, and this library is a notable testimony to the king's cultural policy.
In the portico of the elegant building, with four Ionic style columns, the majestic royal shield stands out, baroque, reflecting the spirit of magnificence characteristic of the most auspicious reign in the history of Portugal.
In this three-story building, two of which are underground, the walls covered in shelves hold thousands of copies, with emphasis on works on medicine, geography, history, humanistic studies, sciences, civil and canon law, philosophy and theology.
On weekends you can also find students selling various tourist items and playing traditional music in the courtyard.
