The University of Coimbra was founded on March 1, 1290 (732 years ago) by King D. Dinis after the signing, in Leiria, of the document 'Scientiae thesaurus mirabilis.' The signing of this document was intermediated and confirmed by the Pope, thus formalizing the creation of the University.
Although established in 1290, it was only in the year 1537 that the University settled entirely in the city of Coimbra, in the former Royal Palace of Alcáçova.
Today, the University of Coimbra has approximately 25,000 students divided among 3 campuses and 8 faculties. The university also features a Botanical Garden, a University Stadium, and 18 museums.
On June 22, 2013, the University of Coimbra was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Interesting fact about the Joanina Library of the University of Coimbra:
Interesting fact about the Joanina Library of the University of Coimbra
The Joanina Library has a colony of bats that inhabit it. The bats feed on paper moths, playing a vital role in preserving the books within the library.