History

By signing the "Scientiae Thesaurus Mirabilis", King Dinis created the oldest university in the country and one of the oldest in the world. The document, dated 1290, established the General Studies, which were recognised by Pope Nicholas IV in the same year. The University of Coimbra was founded one century after the birth of the nation. It began its activities in Lisbon, but in 1308 it was transferred to Coimbra, alternating between the two cities until 1537, when it was finally established in the city of the Mondego River.

Initially confined to the Royal Palace, the University spread throughout the city of Coimbra, transforming its landscape and making it the University City. It later expanded with the creation of a second campus dedicated to Engineering and Technology, and a third campus dedicated to Health Sciences.

Studying at the University of Coimbra, which has educated some of Portugal's most outstanding cultural, scientific and political figures, means continuing the intellectual heritage of a nation.

With more than seven centuries of history - almost 735 years old - the University of Coimbra has a unique tangible and intangible heritage, a cornerstone in the scientific culture of Europe and the world, and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2013.