Edifício da Universidade de Coimbra

The university, founded in 1290, is one of the oldest in Europe. After alternating between Lisbon and Coimbra, it was definitively transferred to the city on the Mondego River in 1537, during the reign of King João III, establishing itself in the Royal Palace. The building became the property of the University in 1597, during the Philippine rule, and underwent several renovations over time. In 1772, the Marquis of Pombal gave new statutes to the University, and the Faculties of Mathematics and Philosophy were created, in addition to several Institutes. Notable features of the set include: the Iron Gate (the main entrance to the University's main building, dating from 1634), the Via Latina (a neoclassical colonnade erected in the 18th century), the building of the former College of São Pedro (16th century), the Joanine Library (18th century), the Chapel of São Miguel (16th century), the Sala dos Capelos (the former throne room where the most important academic ceremonies currently take place), and the Tower (built between 1728 and 1733, in the Mafra Baroque style).