# University of Coimbra and the Joanina Library Visit · 3 h · World Heritage · From €12.50 Fuente: https://www.geocalia.com/en/portugal/central-portugal/coimbra/things-to-do/university-and-joanina-library · Revisado: 2026-11-11 Dónde: Coimbra The university is not a museum: students cross the courtyard in black capes while you tour its halls. What you will see is the historic heart, the Paço das Escolas, and one of the most beautiful libraries in Europe. ## What it is and why it is worth it The University of Coimbra settled in 1537 in the former royal palace, on top of the Alta hill, and it is still there. The Paço das Escolas, the group of buildings around the great courtyard, brings together the essentials: the Sala dos Capelos, where formal ceremonies and doctorates are held; the Chapel of São Miguel, with its Baroque organ; and the 18th-century Joanina Library, three rooms of gilded and lacquered wood, lined with shelves to the ceiling full of old books. Next door, the Science Museum occupies the former chemistry laboratory and includes the academic museum, a cabinet of curiosities and a mineral gallery. It is a place still in use. You will see students in their black capes, and on some days academic ceremonies close rooms or change the route. ## Which ticket to choose The full ticket, of about three hours, includes the Joanina Library, the royal palace, the chapel, the chemistry laboratory, the academic museum, the cabinet of curiosities and the mineral gallery: €16.50. Without the library, in about two and a half hours, €12.50. The guided tour of the Paço das Escolas lasts an hour and a half and costs €25; it leaves from the sales kiosk opposite the Faculty of Medicine. There are also guided tours of the Botanical Garden, at €10, and a ticket combining the Science Museum with the UC Exploratório science centre, at €16. None are refundable. ## Who it is for Anyone passing through Coimbra: it is the city's main visit. Teenagers like the Joanina and the cabinet of curiosities. With reduced mobility, take care: the royal palace is not wheelchair accessible and is not recommended if you have difficulty walking, and in the Joanina wheelchair access is limited to the main floor; tell the staff. Animals are not allowed except assistance dogs, and under-18s must be accompanied by an adult. ## Getting there The university is at the top of the city. From the Baixa, walk up Rua Quebra-Costas, which passes the Sé Velha: it is steep, but the prettiest route. The ticket office is on Rua Larga, beside the courtyard. You reach Coimbra by CP train or Rede Expressos bus from Lisbon and Porto. ## Opening hours and when to go The ticket office opens every day from 9:00 to 17:00. The Joanina, the chapel and the royal palace open from 9:00 to 13:00 and from 14:00 to 17:00, with last entries around 12:40 and 16:40 for the library. It closes on 24, 25 and 31 December and 1 January, and also on some days of academic celebrations. The university tower is closed. Go on a weekday to see the university at work, and in high season buy your ticket as soon as you arrive: the Joanina is visited at a fixed time and slots sell out. ## If it rains It is a good plan for rain: almost the whole visit is indoors. Leave the Botanical Garden, which can be visited in any weather but is more enjoyable dry, for another time. ## Paso a paso ### Before · Choose your ticket The full one, with the Joanina Library, costs €16.50 and takes about three hours. Without the library, €12.50. The library is visited at a fixed time in small groups: check the time on your ticket. ### 30 min · Pátio das Escolas The great square open to the Mondego, with the clock tower and the Via Latina staircase. ### 40 min · Royal Palace and chapel The Sala dos Capelos, where doctorates are held, and the Chapel of São Miguel with its Baroque organ. ### 20 min · Joanina Library Three rooms of gilded and lacquered 18th-century wood. You go in at the set time and photos are not allowed on the main floor. ### 1 h · Science Museum The chemistry laboratory, the academic museum, the cabinet of curiosities and the mineral gallery, on the same ticket. ## Qué llevar - Your ticket with the library time - Comfortable shoes: the Alta is uphill - No selfie stick or tripod: they are not allowed inside ## Consejos ### Buy your ticket as soon as you arrive In high season the Joanina slots sell out early. ### Go up Rua Quebra-Costas The steep street leaving the Baixa passes the Sé Velha and is the prettiest way up. ### Go on a weekday You will see the university at work, with students in their capes. ### Mind the midday break The library, chapel and palace close from 13:00 to 14:00. Plan so you are not left halfway. ### Use the two days of validity Unguided tickets are valid for two days from the chosen date, except the fixed time for the Joanina. ## Preguntas frecuentes ### How much does the visit cost? €16.50 with the Joanina Library and the Science Museum; €12.50 without the library. The guided tour of the Paço das Escolas costs €25. ### Do you have to book the Joanina Library? It is visited at a fixed time, in small groups. Buy your ticket with time to spare, especially in summer and at weekends. ### Can you take photos? In the courtyard and most rooms, without flash, yes. On the main floor of the Joanina Library, no. ### How long do you need? About three hours for the full ticket. ### What are the opening hours? The ticket office, 9:00 to 17:00. The library, chapel and palace, 9:00 to 13:00 and 14:00 to 17:00. ### Can you climb the tower? Not at the moment: the university tower is closed to the public. ### Is it accessible? Partly. The royal palace is not wheelchair accessible, and in the Joanina only the main floor is. Ask Turismo UC staff for help.