Joanina Library
Coimbra
The Joanina Library, located in the heart of the University of Coimbra, Portugal, is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture completed between 1717 and 1728 under King John V. It houses over 70,000 rare and historical volumes dating from the 16th to 18th centuries, including invaluable works on medicine, history, philosophy, and law. The library’s interior features three interconnected rooms richly decorated with gilt and painted exotic woods, Chinese motifs, and elaborate frescoes by Portuguese artists Simões Ribeiro and Vicente Nunes. A monumental portrait of King John V by Domenico Duprà dominates the central hall, symbolizing the royal patronage of the collection. The building is constructed with thick oak walls and a teak door, maintaining a stable environment critical for preserving its precious books. Uniquely, a colony of bats inhabits the library, naturally protecting the volumes by consuming harmful insects overnight. The Joanina Library is not only a treasure trove of knowledge but also a cultural venue hosting concerts and exhibitions, recognized internationally as one of the most spectacular Baroque libraries in Europe and registered as a National Monument.
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Tipp: Visitors are advised to book tickets in advance due to the library’s popularity and preservation needs. The best time to visit is during weekdays and outside peak tourist seasons to enjoy a quieter experience. Guided tours often include access to the surrounding University of Coimbra historic complex. Photography inside may be restricted, so check current visitor guidelines. Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and groups upon presentation of valid identification. Wear comfortable shoes as the visit includes walking through historic halls.
Interessante Fakten
- •The Joanina Library is one of only two libraries worldwide where bats are used to naturally protect books from insect damage, the other being the Mafra Palace Library.
- •The library’s thick oak walls and teak door maintain a constant temperature and humidity level ideal for book preservation throughout the year.
- •The portrait of King John V by Italian artist Domenico Duprà is a centerpiece symbolizing royal patronage and is set as a visual focal point resembling an altar in a chapel.
- •The library’s interior woodwork is made from exotic woods sourced from Brazil and Asia, showcasing the global reach of the Portuguese Empire during the 18th century.
Geschichte
Construction of the Joanina Library began in 1717 under King John V to house the University of Coimbra’s collection and was completed in 1728.
It was built on the site of the former royal prison and designed in the Baroque style, reflecting the Age of Enlightenment’s influence on Portuguese education.
The interior decoration was completed in the years leading up to the Pombaline reforms, with frescoes and gilt work by notable Portuguese artists and craftsmen.
Over the centuries, the library has been preserved as a cultural and academic landmark, recognized as a National Monument and included in the World Monuments Watch list due to its architectural and historical significance.
OrtsfĂĽhrer
Main Reading Rooms1717-1728
The library consists of three grand rooms connected by decorated arches, each lined with two-story shelves made of gilded and painted exotic woods. The walls are adorned with chinoiserie motifs, and the ceilings feature frescoes by Simões Ribeiro and Vicente Nunes. These rooms house the majority of the 70,000 rare volumes and create an atmosphere reminiscent of a Baroque chapel.
Book Preservation Vault18th century
The library is designed as a vault with thick exterior walls (over 2 meters thick) and a teak door to maintain a stable temperature of 18–20°C and humidity around 60%, protecting the books from environmental damage. The use of dense oak wood also repels paper-eating insects, ensuring the longevity of the collection.
Bat ColonyOngoing since 18th century
A unique feature of the Joanina Library is its resident bat colony, which serves as a natural pest control by consuming insects that could damage the books. The bats are active at night, and staff cover the furniture to protect it from droppings, cleaning the library each morning.
