Paço das Escolas is dominated by one of the most symbolic structures in Coimbra, its 17th century tower which holds the clock and bells that regulate academic life. It was built in 1537 when the university, which was about to be established at King John III’s palace, insisted that “there could be no order without a clock”.
Thus, the proverbial goat was deemed responsible for the start of study hours in every eve before school days. According to the old praxe (academic tradition), a student who is on the first year of university cannot be on the street after the bell tolls.
Everyday | Starting on August 1st until September 30th 2020• Joanine Library: 09:40 - 13:00 and 14:00 - 17:00 (last entrance at 16:40);• Chapel: 10:00 - 18:00 (no lunch break);• Royal Palace: 10:00 - 18:00 (no lunch break);• Shop - Law Faculty: 10:00 - 13:00 e 14:00 - 17:45;• Ticket office: 09:30 - 17:45 (no lunch break);• New Shop: 09:30 - 17:45 (no lunch break);• Da Vinci Exhibition: 10:00 - 18:00 (no lunch break);• Science Museum (Laboratório Chimico and Colégio de Jesus) - 10:00 - 13:00 and 14:00 - 18:00.