Royal Palace

Category: Civil Architecture > Palace

District: Coimbra > Coimbra > Coimbra > Alta

Location:

The Royal Palace is located in the upper part of Coimbra, integrated into the historic heart of the University. It stands at an elevated point in the city, an area with a unique atmosphere, marked by the presence of academic buildings that have shaped the urban landscape over centuries.

A History of Transformation

The origin of this building dates back to the late 10th century, when it served as the alcazaba (fortress) of the city governor during Muslim rule. Its importance grew significantly in 1131, when it became the first residence of the kings of Portugal. It was here that D. Afonso Henriques, the first king, established his court.

A decisive moment in the palace's history occurred in 1537, when the University of Coimbra was definitively transferred from Lisbon to the city. In 1544, the former royal palace welcomed the educational institution, marking the beginning of a new phase in its long existence and transforming into the center of academic life.

The Great Hall (Sala dos Atos Grandes)

Considered the most important hall in the University, this space initially served as the Throne Room and was the residence of the first Portuguese kings between 1143 and 1383. It was the stage for crucial moments in Portuguese history, such as the acclamation of D. João I in 1385. With the establishment of the University, it became the venue for the most solemn and significant academic ceremonies.

Its current configuration is the result of a renovation carried out in the mid-17th century. The walls were covered with "carpet-type" tiles, produced in Lisbon. The wooden ceiling was enriched with 172 panels displaying varied motifs, including representations of mythical figures and natural elements. On the walls, one can observe portraits of Portuguese kings, covering a period from D. Afonso Henriques to D. Manuel II, with the exception of the monarchs of the Philippine dynasty. A historical curiosity associated with this hall is the solemn oath of the Coimbra professors to Our Lady of Conception in 1646, which led to the decision of Portuguese monarchs to cease wearing a crown from that date onwards.

The Armory (Sala das Armas) and Adjoining Rooms

This room received its name because it was a strategic defensive point to protect the infantes (princes/infants), given their relevance in the line of succession. Later, it was used to store the weapons of the former Royal Academic Guard. Currently, the weapons found there are used by the Archeiros (archers/guardians), the guards who participate in the most important academic ceremonies, such as doctorates or the investiture of the Rector.

Adjoining the Armory (Sala das Armas) is the Yellow Room (Sala Amarela), which received this color to honor the Faculty of Medicine. It was here that members of this faculty would meet to discuss relevant matters. There are other rooms in the building with distinct colors, each representing a faculty. These spaces continue to be used for various academic activities today. On the walls of these rooms, portraits of University rectors who served in the 19th and 20th centuries can be seen.

The Private Examination Room (Sala do Exame Privado)

During the period when the building functioned as a royal residence, this space served as the king's chambers. With the arrival of the University, the room was transformed into a venue for final examinations of graduates.

The examination consisted of an oral test, which took place at dusk and was private, attended only by the student and the evaluating professors. This examination format was maintained until the second half of the 18th century, being abolished as part of the reforms promoted by the Marquis of Pombal. On the ceiling of this room, dated 1701, one can contemplate the coat of arms of the Kingdom of Portugal and the symbols of the four great Faculties of the University at the time: Theology, Law, Medicine, and Canons. The walls display portraits of 38 rectors who led the University between the 16th and 18th centuries, indicating the duration of their mandates.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt