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Biblioteca Joanina, Coimbra

4.5
#1 of 113 in Things to do in Coimbra
Library · Traveler Resource
Browse a collection of 250,000 volumes, some dating back to 1750, at Biblioteca Joanina, a rich European library. The older works are difficult to preserve because of their fragile papers, but the site uses both modern technology and ancient techniques to maintain them--including hosting a colony of live bats, which eat bibliophagic insects and woodworms. Walk through three rooms of the library, adorned with decorative arches, painted ceiling murals, and gilded shelves carved out of tropical wood. Take a guided tour and learn about the history of the institution. To visit Biblioteca Joanina on your holiday in Coimbra, and find out what else Coimbra has to offer, use our Coimbra.
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Biblioteca Joanina reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
4,969 reviews
Google
4.5
TripAdvisor
  • By VadimM67
    The library named after its founder is one of the oldest in Europe. Its construction began in 1717, by decree of King John V. The building was created in the then popular Baroque style, and has 3...  more »
  • By LuizDutraNeto
    The awesome library of the "Universidade de Coimbra", known as "Biblioteca Joanina", was built between 1717 and 1728. It honors the memory of the Portuguese King Dom João V, sponsor of its...  more »
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Google
  • By Daisy Smith
    Beautiful and interesting. But who the hell were Jaime and Alberto, we never worked it out. No Stephenie Meyer books, go elsewhere for your twilight needs.
  • By Joao Pascoa Pinheiro
    Excelent. That s our identity.
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