Sala dos Grandes Atos ou Sala dos Capelos ING

GREAT HALL OF ACTS

This hall is the most important space at the University of Coimbra. It was the old Throne Room, and was the residence of the kings of the first Portuguese dynasty between 1143 and 1383. Important events in the history of portugal took place here, such as the proclamation of King John I in 1385.After the University opened in the Palace of Schools, this space became the main hall of the University of Coimbra, where the most important ceremonies of the academic life took place.

The current design of this hall is the result of renovations carried out in the mid-17th century. The walls were lined with "carpet-like" tiles manufactured in Lisbon. The wooden ceiling was renovated with 172 panels that look like grotesque motifs (representing sea monsters, Indians, mermaids, plants).

The walls are lined with the portraits of all of the Portuguese kings - from King Afonso Henriques to King Manuel II - with the exception of the Phillipine dynasty (from 1580 to 1640). The new monarch, King John IV, offered the Crown of Portugal to Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in thanksgiving, proclaiming her the patroness of the Kingdom. This required the support of the lentes (lecturers) of Coimbra who, headed by the Rector, took a solemn oath to Our Lady in 1646, which was recorded on stone plaque in St. Michael's Chapel. Since then, Portuguese monarchs ceased to wear a crown.

Around the hall are doctoral benches where those with doctoral degrees sit during academic ceremonies. Their insignias include a borla, a small hat that represents Wisdom, and the capelo, the small hood that symbolizes Science - both bearing the colour of the faculty to which the Doctor belongs. At the centre, dominating the hall, is the rector's seat, where the Magnificent Rector (or, in his absence, another appointed Doctor) presides over solemns acts. Invited guests and the public can attend the ceremonies from the lower level of the hall, and the lateral benches all around the hall. Upon appointment, the rector removes one of the insignias (the capelo) and remains only with the borla.  

Academic ceremonies held in the Great Hall of Acts:

• Defence of doctoral theses (the candidate is examined at the desk situated on the floor below the professors who make up the jury);

• Doctorates Honoris Causa (honorary doctoral degrees awarded to national or foreign personalities who have distinguished themselves in the fields of Science, Arts, Literature, Economy, etc);

• Solemn Opening of Classes;

• Swearing in of the Rector (every four years);

• Awarding of Doctoral Insignias

Did you know ...?

• This hall is also known as the Hall of the Capelos, a name taken from capelo, the small hood that symbolizes science.

• Originally, the Academic Prison, opened at the University in 1593, operated on the floor below this one (having been transferred to the lower level of the Baroque Library at the end of the 18th century).

• The Great Hall of Acts was vandalized during a student uprising at the time of the establishment of the Republic in 1910: the Chair was destroyed and the portraits of King Carlos and King Manuel II were shot at. The bullet marks are still visible.