Biblioteca Joanina

The Biblioteca Joanina, at the University of Coimbra, is one of the most beautiful libraries in the world — a baroque jewel built in the eighteenth century for the royal library of King João V. Twelve years of work, exotic woods, gilded shelves and ceilings painted in perspective make the visit one of the great experiences of Coimbra.

The library

The building was raised between 1717 and 1728, in the Paço das Escolas of the university, and took its name from King João V, who ordered and financed it. Its three rooms, connected in a great sequence, were conceived to receive the royal library, one of the richest of Europe, and the library remains in use by the university, at the heart of the historic centre classified by UNESCO.

What to see

• The three grand rooms, with their gilded and painted ceilings.
• The shelves of exotic woods, filled with ancient books.
• The Chapel and the academic prison of the old university nearby.
• The views over Coimbra and the Mondego from the Paço das Escolas.

Visiting

The library is visited by guided entry, in small groups and with timed tickets, which sell out quickly in high season; the conditions and booking follow the official information of the University of Coimbra. The historic centre of Coimbra is explored on foot, and the Paço das Escolas is its great terrace over the river.

Nearby

The Convento de São Francisco and the Jardim da Sereia are part of a day in Coimbra, between the university and the old town. The Museu da Ciência, in the old college across the square, continues the journey of the university.

Information: uc.pt.

Image credit: Biblioteca Joanina, by xiquinhosilva, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.