Paços da Universidade ou Paços das Escolas travel guide

The Paços da Universidade, or Paços das Escolas, is a historic landmark in Coimbra, Portugal, dating back to the 12th century. Initially serving as the royal palace for the first two dynasties of Portugal, it later became the main building of the University of Coimbra in 1537.

Its rich history is reflected in its architectural blend of styles, including Gothic, Manueline, Renaissance, and Baroque. The Royal Palace was home to notable historical figures including King Denis I, who established the first Portuguese University in Lisbon in 1290, which was subsequently relocated to Coimbra.

The grand Via Latina, a ceremonial way, and the iconic 18th-century bell tower, known as 'Cabra', are part of the Paços das Escolas complex. The tower, a symbol of university power, dictates the rhythm of the students' lives with its chimes. The University’s old library, Biblioteca Joanina, is a masterpiece of the Baroque period, housing valuable collections of manuscripts and printed books.

Located in the dynamic Coimbra (Sé Nova, Santa Cruz, Almedina e São Bartolomeu), the popular Paços da Universidade ou Paços das Escolas is easy to find and can be explored during a short weekend escape in the beautiful city of Coimbra or as a stop on your countrywide road trip through Portugal.

Coimbra is a perfect holiday destination for those who crave a mix of history, culture, and modern amenities. With its distinct architecture, famous museums, and delicious culinary scene, Coimbra offers something for everyone.

Take a stroll through the charming streets and alleys to discover hidden gems and enjoy the local atmosphere. Visit this popular landmark in Coimbra and immerse yourself in the city's rich history and culture at top attractions, including the remarkable Santa Cruz Church, Jardim Botânico da Universidade de Coimbra, Sé Velha - Coimbra, Jardins da Quinta das Lágrimas, and Choupal National Forest.

Whether you're looking to indulge in shopping or explore the nightlife, Coimbra has it all. Don't forget to sample the delicious cuisine, from traditional dishes to modern fusion.

Experience the best of both worlds in Coimbra, a place where the past meets the present, and you'll create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.

Click the travel guides below to learn more and get ready to make unforgettable memories in Portugal!

Paços da Universidade ou Paços das Escolas is conveniently accessible by various transportation options in Coimbra, Portugal. If you're flying in, Porto Airport is approximately 72.2 miles (116.2 km) away from Coimbra. From there, you can easily reach Paços da Universidade ou Paços das Escolas by taxi or shuttle.

For those already in Coimbra, buses, taxis, and walking are viable options to reach Paços da Universidade ou Paços das Escolas, which is located 0.3 miles (0.5 km) from the city center. You can also rent a car and drive to Paços da Universidade ou Paços das Escolas, providing flexibility to explore at your leisure. Its exact address is 3000-515 Coimbra, Portugal.

With your transportation plans sorted, get ready for an unforgettable experience at Paços da Universidade ou Paços das Escolas!

With a rental car, discovering the popular Paços da Universidade ou Paços das Escolas and Portugal's captivating landscapes becomes a breeze, allowing you to explore at your own pace. Upon arrival, international travelers can choose from 1 reputable rental car companies near Porto Airport and the city of Coimbra, making transportation seamless and efficient.

Rental car companies in Portugal cater to a variety of preferences, offering vehicles ranging from compact and midsize to premium, estate, and even camper vans or convertibles. To select the perfect ride, consider your itinerary and specific travel plans in Coimbra and beyond.

The best time to explore Paços da Universidade ou Paços das Escolas in Coimbra, Portugal, is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September and October). These seasons offer mild and pleasant weather, providing an ideal climate for exploring the historic university complex. During these periods, you'll find lesser crowds, making it easier to fully appreciate the architectural marvels of the site. Additionally, in May, the Queima das Fitas or 'Burning of the Ribbons' festival takes place. This traditional student celebration, filled with parades, music, and festivity, adds a unique vibrancy to the university experience. However, it's important to note that during this event, some areas may be more crowded than usual. Autumn also offers the chance to witness the academic traditions associated with the start of the university term. By planning your visit during these seasons, you'll be able to fully experience the rich history and lively student culture that permeate Paços da Universidade ou Paços das Escolas.

Conveniently explore Paços da Universidade ou Paços das Escolas and plenty more captivating attractions in Coimbra by staying at a top-rated hotel in the center of the city. With comfortable accommodations and easy access to Paços da Universidade ou Paços das Escolas and other notable landmarks, wake up well-rested every day, ready to explore all that Coimbra has to offer.

Discover the best hotels for visiting Paços da Universidade ou Paços das Escolas below.

Aside from Paços da Universidade ou Paços das Escolas, Coimbra is home to numerous other top attractions waiting to be explored. From museums and architectural masterpieces to sculptures and natural wonders, the city offers a diverse range of sights to behold. For the ultimate sightseeing tour around Coimbra, there are a number of attractions every itinerary should include, namely Santa Cruz Church, Jardim Botânico da Universidade de Coimbra, and Sé Velha - Coimbra.

Santa Cruz Church is a bucket-list church and top attraction in Coimbra, drawing numerous travelers and locals every year. As evident by its average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 5,100 reviews, this attraction is a popular place to visit for anyone with time to spend in the city. The exact address of Santa Cruz Church is Praça 8 de Maio, 3001-300 Coimbra, Portugal.

Another appreciated attraction in Coimbra is Jardim Botânico da Universidade de Coimbra. Like Santa Cruz Church, this is one of the most popular sites to visit in the city. With an impressive average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars among 4,600 visitors, it’s also one of the highest-rated. The exact address of this park is CC Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal.

Sé Velha - Coimbra is also a clear favorite among travelers seeking to experience the uniqueness of Coimbra. This church and top attraction in Coimbra has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,800 visitors. This attraction is located at the address of Largo da Sé Velha, 3000-383 Coimbra, Portugal.

Check out our full list of top attractions in the city of Coimbra below.