Biblioteca Joanina
An 18th-century Baroque library with gilded, carved bookcases holding about 60,000 volumes. According to a famous story, bats guard the old books at night.
The Joanina Library was built between 1717 and 1728 and is named after King João V. Three interconnected halls are decorated with gilded wood carvings, lacquer paintings and marble floors. The library holds about 60,000 rare books from the 16th to 18th centuries. Small bats that live in the library hunt bookworms at night, which is a well-known anecdote. Entry requires a university pass and is by timed slot, with each group admitted for about 20 minutes. Photography is not allowed inside. The lower level also has a former student prison that can be visited.
Opening hours
Approx. 09:00-19:00 (by timed reservation)
Nearby sights
- University of Coimbra – Paço das Escolas
- Old Cathedral of Coimbra
- Machado de Castro National Museum
- Fado ao Centro
- Arco de Almedina & Quebra-Costas
- New Cathedral of Coimbra
- Science Museum of the University of Coimbra
- Mercado Municipal D. Pedro V