University of Coimbra
Coimbra, Portugal
One of Europe’s oldest universities on the hill above the old town, with the baroque Joanina Library and the Royal Palace halls. Library visits are timed; park below and walk up.
The University of Coimbra was chartered by King Denis on 1 March 1290, began in Lisbon and moved permanently to Coimbra in 1537. It is housed in the former royal palace of the Alcáçova, known as the Paço das Escolas, which the university still uses today. Since 2013 the complex has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “University of Coimbra – Alta and Sofia”. The Baroque Biblioteca Joanina was built between 1717 and 1728 under King John V; a colony of bats is said to protect the books from insects. The university's Botanical Garden is another sight.
Allow two to three hours for the library and palace. Check times and tickets for the library on the university's website beforehand. Driving in Coimbra is a chore, so it is best to park below the old town and walk, though the climb up to the Alta is steep. The Queima das Fitas student festival takes place in early May.
- Nearest town
- Coimbra, Portugal
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 40.2073, -8.4261
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–June and August–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, July and November–December. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Portugal: Electronic tolls by number plate. Some motorways only have electronic tolls; register your plate or rent a transponder. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Parque de Campismo de CoimbraCampsite3 km from University of Coimbra
- Área Serviço Autocaravanas de CondeixaMotorhome stopover12 km from University of Coimbra · 8 pitchesMotorhomesDrinking waterWaste disposal
- PenacovaMotorhome stopover16 km from University of Coimbra · 33 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Terra de BarraquinhaMotorhome stopover18 km from University of CoimbraMotorhomesElectricity
- Uxa ParaisoCampsite19 km from University of CoimbraWi-Fi
- Parque Municipal de Campismo de SerpinsCampsite20 km from University of CoimbraTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsDogs allowedWi-Fi
All campsites in Portugal · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is University of Coimbra?
University of Coimbra is in Coimbra, Portugal, at GPS 40.2073, -8.4261. It is about 14 km from Penacova.
Can you camp near University of Coimbra?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Parque de Campismo de Coimbra, about 3 km away; within 25 km there are 20 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass University of Coimbra?
University of Coimbra is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Aveiro, Bussaco and Coimbra.
What is there to see near University of Coimbra?
Places worth a stop nearby: Conímbriga Roman ruins (13 km), Bussaco National Forest (20 km), Piódão (51 km) and Aveiro Canals and Old Centre (52 km).
When is the best time to visit University of Coimbra?
The most pleasant months are usually April–June and August–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, July and November–December. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)