UC by Night: Discover the Secrets of the University of Coimbra under the Starlight!
The initiative began on 19 July, offering night-time tours in Portuguese and English every Saturday until 13 September.
Can you imagine uncovering the secrets of the University of Coimbra under the night sky? The ‘UC by Night’ programme, organised by Turismo UC, began on 19 July and offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the University of Coimbra (UC) between 9 pm and midnight every Saturday until 13 September.
What makes this initiative so special is the way it transforms the university’s night-time atmosphere into an exclusive and enchanting experience. “It takes place at night, which creates a completely different atmosphere here at the university, and above all, the space is reserved exclusively for visitors,” said Julien Alligier from the UC Guided Tour Support Team.
The tour includes the School Palace, St Michael’s Chapel, and the Noble Floor of the Joanina Library. Visitors will have the rare opportunity to enter the Great Hall of Acts (Sala dos Capelos), which is not usually included in other tours. The experience begins with a musical interlude of Coimbra Fado performed by students from the Academy and, weather permitting, concludes with a night-time climb up the University Tower for a 360° view of the city, as Julien Alligier reveals.
According to the UC Tourism Guide, the Joanina Library "has its own magic, at any time of day or night," and the history-steeped, illuminated Pátio das Escolas "always has a very special atmosphere." Reactions have been overwhelmingly positive. “People are pleasantly surprised,” he said, inviting everyone to enjoy an experience without queues or waiting, and with more comfortable temperatures.
Tickets are available from UC ticket offices and online at different prices: €25 for adults, €15 for students up to the age of 26, and free for children up to 13 when accompanied by a family member.
Find out more here.
