Tower of the University of Coimbra

The Tower of the University of Coimbra, standing 34 meters high, is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. From the top, visitors can enjoy a magnificent view over Coimbra, taking in the Choupal and Lapa, the Rainha Santa e Santa Clara bridges, the Pedro e Inês pedestrian bridge, the Santa Clara a Velha Monastery, Portugal dos Pequenitos, Quinta das Lágrimas, Sé Velha, Sé Nova, Machado de Castro Museum, Law School courtyard and the D.Dinis statue. The University of Coimbra Tower was one of the first European university towers. Baroque style, it was edified between 1728 and 1733 and designed by the arquithect António Caneveri. Beyond telling the time, its clock marked the rhythm of university life through the sound of its bells, which regulated academic activity for centuries. The current clock dates from 1866–67. The tower replaced an earlier structure that had served the same purpose. Of its four bells, the most famous is the one facing the river, known as the Cabra. To this day, the bells continue to summon the academic community for solemn ceremonies and, in a mournful tone, to mark the passing of a professor of the University.

Climbing the tower’s 180 steps is a unique experience, rewarded with one of the most emblematic views over the city of Coimbra.