Biblioteca Joanina, Central Portugal, Portugal

4.5 (5.084 reviews) Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent Ranking #4 in Central Portugal Libraries

Beautiful and Historic Library

The Biblioteca Joanina, sometimes known in English as the Joanine Library, is a Baroque library in Coimbra, Portugal, located at the heart of the University of Coimbra. It is regularly considered one of the most beautiful libraries in the world. The Biblioteca Joanina is named after its founder, King John V of Portugal, who began construction on the library in 1717, during the onset of the Age of Enlightenment in Europe. It is home to more than 70,000 volumes, including many priceless, historical documents and first editions. It is registered as a National Monument. Entry is down a set of stairs outside and then back up a couple of sets of stairs inside (however, there is an easier option for people with mobility issues). Our guide told us that photos were not allowed, although I did not see any signs to that effect. Tours are scheduled in advance and time inside is strictly limited.
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Address

Largo da Porta Férrea Universidade de Coimbra, Coimbra 3000-447 Portugal

Mobile

+351 239 859 800

Website

http://visit.uc.pt

Email

[email protected]

Working hours

Monday : 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday : 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday : 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday : 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday : 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday : 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday : 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Current local date and time now

Wednesday, May 01, 2024, 8:35

User Ratings

4.5 based on (5.084 reviews)

Excellent

74%

Good

19%

Satisfactory

Poor

Terrible

Reviews

5RandyRoss 5:00 PM Jun 14, 2022
Beautiful and Historic Library
The Biblioteca Joanina, sometimes known in English as the Joanine Library, is a Baroque library in Coimbra, Portugal, located at the heart of the University of Coimbra. It is regularly considered one of the most beautiful libraries in the world. The Biblioteca Joanina is named after its founder, King John V of Portugal, who began construction on the library in 1717, during the onset of the Age of Enlightenment in Europe. It is home to more than 70,000 volumes, including many priceless, historical documents and first editions. It is registered as a National Monument. Entry is down a set of stairs outside and then back up a couple of sets of stairs inside (however, there is an easier option for people with mobility issues). Our guide told us that photos were not allowed, although I did not see any signs to that effect. Tours are scheduled in advance and time inside is strictly limited.
4Bob Oare 5:00 PM Nov 7, 2022
Coimbra University library
My wife & I found the University of Coimbra Library a worthwhile experience. We did have difficulty finding the ticket office about 2 blocks from the library. If you take a taxi make sure you ask for the ticket office not the library ! We did not wait for the English language tour but most of the guides explained the history & significance of the building in both Portuguese & English. This is one of the oldest libraries in the world and when it was in use students had to pay to read the books. But again some the books are pre-printing press. We highly recommend this tour. The building is interesting by itself.