At the heart of the Paço das Escolas stands one of the University of Coimbra’s most precious treasures: Saint Michael’s Chapel. Small in size but grand in beauty, it is a space where faith, art, and history have been intertwined for more than five centuries.
Its origins date back to a medieval oratory from the 12th-century, once part of the former Royal Palace. The current structure took shape during the reign of King Manuel I, in the 16th century, and reflects the splendor of the Manueline style, visible in its portal adorned with the Cross of Christ, the Armillary Sphere, and the Royal Coat of Arms.
Dedicated to Archangel Michael, protector of Portugal’s first king, Afonso Henriques, the chapel became a place of reflection and inspiration for generations of students. Inside, the blue and white 17th-century tiles blend harmoniously with the golden Baroque carvings and the serenity of sacred imagery, creating an atmosphere of light, harmony, and contemplation.
The ceiling of the main chapel bears the emblem of the University of Coimbra and the coats of arms of the former major faculties: Theology, Canon Law, Civil Law, and Medicine, representing knowledge as a divine expression and symbolizing the union between learning and spirituality.
The grand Baroque Organ, built in 1737 by Friar Manuel de São Bento, is the living heartbeat of this sacred space. Originally designed for a larger church, it impresses with its scale and ornate decoration. With more than two thousand pipes and exuberant carvings of oriental motifs, it is considered one of the finest instruments of its time. Its sound still fills the chapel during concerts and ceremonies, linking past and present through music.
Today, Saint Michael’s Chapel remains a living part of the University. In addition to masses and concerts, it also hosts special moments such as weddings and graduation masses, open to current and former members of the academic community, keeping alive the connection between tradition, faith, and celebration.
More than a monument, the Chapel of Saint Michael is the sacred heart of the University of Coimbra, a living symbol of the harmony between faith, art, and knowledge, where every note, every reflection, and every silence echo the eternal soul of the city.
Map and Directions
Contacts
