Joanina Library
Coimbra, Portugal. Founded 1717.
- Type: University
- City: Coimbra
- Country: Portugal
- Founded: 1717
Overview
The baroque showpiece of the University of Coimbra, chartered in 1290, was built between 1717 and 1728 under King Joao V. Gilded exotic woodwork, chinoiserie shelves, and portraits of Portuguese kings fill three halls protecting tens of thousands of pre 1800 volumes. Two species of bats patrol nightly, eating the insects that would otherwise damage the books.
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