Universidade de Coimbra: 700 Years of Knowledge

One of the world's oldest universities continues to inspire with its stunning Baroque library.

Founded in 1290, the Universidade de Coimbra is one of the oldest universities in continuous operation in the world. Its historic campus, perched on a hill overlooking the city, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that draws scholars and visitors from around the globe. The crown jewel is the Biblioteca Joanina, an 18th-century Baroque library with gilded shelves housing over 200,000 historical volumes. The university's traditions, from the black capes worn by students to the fado songs that echo through its halls, continue to this day.