University of Coimbra – Alta and Sofia World Heritage Site

Official name

University of Coimbra – Alta and Sofia | UNESCO

Country

Portugal | Map

Continent

Europe

Location

40.2078° Lat, -8.4257° Lon | Map

Code

1387

Time Zone

Europe/Lisbon (WET, +0000)

Current Time

Category

Cultural

Description

Inscribed 2013. Situated on a hill overlooking the city, the University of Coimbra with its colleges grew and evolved over more than seven centuries within the old town. Notable university buildings include the 12 th century Cathedral of Santa Cruz and a number of 16 th century colleges, the Royal Palace of Alcáçova, which has housed the University since 1537, the Joanine Library with its rich baroque decor, the 18 th century Botanical Garden and University Press, as well as the large “University City” created during the 1940s. The University’s edifices became a reference in the development of other institutions of higher education in the Portuguese-speaking world where it also exerted a major influence on learning and literature. Coimbra offers an outstanding example of an integrated university city with a specific urban typology as well as its own ceremonial and cultural traditions that have been kept alive through the ages.