The University of Coimbra was established in 1290, and is one of the oldest in the world. It has 8 faculties and approximately 20 000 students. On 2013 it was added to UNESCO's World Heritage List.
The University has a teaching hospital, which is known as a center of research with a broad range of clinical services and medical specialties; a huge central library, botanical gardens, stadiums and other sports facilities, an astronomical observatory, a publishing house, a private chapel, a theater, and many support facilities. It also has museums and other cultural organizations.
The General Library of the University is divided in two buildings: The Joanina Library, which has books before 1800, and the New Building, with more than a million books. The Joanina Library was built in the 18th century in the Baroque style by the Portuguese King João V, and named after him. It is a National Monument and has a priceless historical value, being one of the main tourist attractions among the older monuments belonging to the university.
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| Joanina Library |
The Botanical Garden of the University of Coimbra was founded between 1772-1774 and nowadays it has 13 hectares and shelters several species of birds and squirrels. It is considered one of the most beautiful gardens of Europe.
The university's academic traditions and institutions give life to the city. The students are usually lodged at the old "Republics" (student's residences), and celebrate some traditional festivities, such as "Queima das Fitas" (a celebration of the graduation's end, symbolized by the burning of the ribbons with the colors of each of the 8 faculties), the "Festa das Latas" (a homecoming), and they are usually accompanied by the Coimbra's Fado, which was traditionally sung in street serenades.
