Biblioteca Joanina
A breathtaking Baroque library housing 70,000 rare books, protected by bats, and showcasing centuries of history and art.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene atmosphere.
Biblioteca Joanina
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene atmosphere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking Baroque library housing 70,000 rare books, protected by bats, and showcasing centuries of history and art.
"Mind blowing with beauty and history. Well preserved. Special stories."
🎯 Combine Your Ticket
The Biblioteca Joanina ticket often includes access to other University of Coimbra sites. :ticket:
🤫 No Photos on Noble Floor
Strictly enforced! Enjoy the beauty with your eyes and mind. :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Noble Floor
Upper level
Three interconnected rooms with gilded bookshelves, vibrant colors, and priceless antique volumes. A true Baroque masterpiece.
The Bat Guardians
Throughout the library
Discover the unique story of the bats that protect ancient books from insects, a centuries-old natural pest control.
The Prison
Lower level
A stark contrast to the opulence above, this area offers a glimpse into the library's historical function and past.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Visit in Advance
Respect the Rules for Preservation
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Combine Your Ticket
The Biblioteca Joanina ticket often includes access to other University of Coimbra sites. :ticket:
🤫 No Photos on Noble Floor
Strictly enforced! Enjoy the beauty with your eyes and mind. :camerawithflash:
🎒 Locker Up!
Store your bags and backpacks in the provided lockers before entering. :handbag:
🦇 Learn About the Bats
Ask staff about the fascinating bat colony that helps preserve the books. :bat:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Combine Your Ticket
The Biblioteca Joanina ticket often includes access to other University of Coimbra sites. :ticket:
🤫 No Photos on Noble Floor
Strictly enforced! Enjoy the beauty with your eyes and mind. :camerawithflash:
🎒 Locker Up!
Store your bags and backpacks in the provided lockers before entering. :handbag:
🦇 Learn About the Bats
Ask staff about the fascinating bat colony that helps preserve the books. :bat:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently awestruck by the Biblioteca Joanina's stunning Baroque beauty and historical significance, particularly the ornate Noble Floor. The unique story of the bat guardians adds an intriguing layer. However, some find the staff overly strict and the ticket price high for the limited time allowed inside the library itself.
"Stunning, intriguing, inspiring, historical, mind blowing with beauty and history. Well preserved. Special stories. Especially about the protective bats."
Jennifer Fuhr
"This Baroque library was commissioned by King João V (D. João V) of Portugal and named in his honor. Construction began in 1717 and was completed in 1728, with the first books added in 1750. Today, the library houses over 70,000 rare and antique volumes, many of which were published between the 15th and 18th centuries. The library is divided into three levels: the Noble Floor (upper level), the Middle Floor, and the Prison (lower level). The books are primarily stored on the upper two levels. The Noble Floor is the most ornate, consisting of three interconnected rooms, each with elaborately gilded bookshelves, balconies, and a distinct background color—black, red, and green. The Middle Floor was historically used for the conservation, cataloging, and restoration of books; today, it serves as an exhibition space for historical documents.
Note: Entry is only permitted at designated times and must be accompanied by a guide. Photography is strictly prohibited in the Noble Floor.
※ Included in the Combined Ticket: Joanina Library + University + Science Museum."
Seokjin Ham
"Fee is up to 16.5 euros. But it covers the library, chapel, palace, cabinet of curiosities and three other things we found boring.
Let's talk about the library since that is the reason to come. Yes it is phenomenal. Yes the staff is kind of rude, overly strict and very pretentious. Yes you only get 10 minutes in the actual library. Yes they seem strict about entry times and have vaguely restrictive hours (we got some attitude because it was right before their 1254-2 lunch hour).
I still think it's ultimately worth it. Because they are pretentious and periodically delete their google listing to remove photos, here are a few I found."
Derek Clardy
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Biblioteca Joanina is located within the historic University of Coimbra campus. You can reach the campus by walking from the city center or by taking local buses. Parking can be challenging, so public transport or walking is often recommended.
Yes, the University of Coimbra campus, where the library is located, is well-served by local buses. Check the local bus routes for the most convenient options from your accommodation.
Walking is the best way to explore the historic University of Coimbra area, including the Biblioteca Joanina. Wear comfortable shoes as there are many cobblestone streets and inclines.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Biblioteca Joanina is typically part of a combined ticket for the University of Coimbra, which can cost around 17 euros. This ticket usually includes access to the library, chapel, palace, and cabinet of curiosities.
It is highly recommended to book your tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure your preferred time slot and avoid long queues.
Opening hours can vary, and there might be a lunch break. It's best to check the official University of Coimbra website for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
Entry to the Biblioteca Joanina is usually accompanied by a guide at designated times. This ensures the preservation of the books and provides historical context.
Discounts may be available for students, seniors, or groups. It's advisable to inquire about potential discounts when purchasing your combined ticket.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is strictly prohibited on the Noble Floor, the most ornate part of the library, to protect the ancient books. You may be able to take photos in other areas of the University of Coimbra included in your ticket.
The flash from cameras can damage the delicate pages and bindings of the rare and antique books housed within the library.
While official photos might be limited, you can find many images shared by visitors on social media platforms or through online travel blogs.
🎫 📚 Onsite Experience
The Biblioteca Joanina is renowned for its stunning Baroque architecture, gilded bookshelves, and its collection of over 70,000 rare and antique books, some dating back to the 15th century. It's also famous for its unique bat population that helps preserve the books.
Your visit to the library itself is typically limited to about 10 minutes with a guide. However, the combined ticket allows for more time exploring other parts of the University of Coimbra.
Comfortable walking shoes are essential as you'll be exploring the historic University of Coimbra campus. Dress respectfully, as it is a place of learning and history.
Lockers are available for storing bags and backpacks. Restrooms are also available within the University of Coimbra complex.
For centuries, a colony of bats has lived in the library and hunts insects at night, naturally protecting the priceless books from damage.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep in mind that photography is not allowed in the main library area, and the visit is guided and time-limited. Ensure children understand the importance of quiet behavior and respecting the rules. The combined ticket often includes other university attractions that might be more engaging for younger visitors, such as the Cabinet of Curiosities.
💰 Budget Travelers
To maximize value, plan to spend ample time exploring all the attractions covered by your ticket. Wear comfortable shoes for walking the campus, and pack snacks and water to avoid purchasing them at higher tourist prices within the university grounds.
📚 Book Lovers & History Buffs
Take time to appreciate the unique story of the bat guardians, a fascinating aspect of the library's long-term preservation. Understanding the context of King John V's patronage and the library's role within the University of Coimbra will deepen your appreciation for this extraordinary institution.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architectural Marvel of the Biblioteca Joanina
The Middle Floor historically served as a space for the conservation, cataloging, and restoration of books. Today, it often functions as an exhibition area, showcasing historical documents and further enriching the visitor's understanding of the library's heritage. The Prison, located on the lower level, offers a stark contrast to the opulence above, providing a glimpse into the library's past and its role within the university's disciplinary functions.
Visitors often describe the interior as mind-blowing with beauty and history, a testament to the meticulous preservation efforts. The sheer scale and ornate detail of the Noble Floor are frequently highlighted as a must-see aspect of the library's design.
The Unique Bat Conservation Program
This unique relationship has been recognized and maintained, ensuring the bats can continue their vital role without harming the library's collection. Visitors are often fascinated by this story, which adds another layer of intrigue to the historical significance of the library. It's a testament to how nature and human endeavors can coexist for mutual benefit.
While the bats themselves are not typically visible during visiting hours, their presence is a well-known and celebrated part of the Biblioteca Joanina's history and ongoing preservation efforts. Learning about this unique aspect enhances the overall visitor experience, making it more than just a visit to a beautiful library.
Navigating Your Visit: Tickets and Rules
It's crucial to be aware of the photography policy: cameras are strictly prohibited on the Noble Floor, the library's most ornate section. This rule is enforced to protect the delicate pages of the antique books from potential damage caused by camera flashes. Visitors are encouraged to store their bags and backpacks in the provided lockers before entering the library to prevent accidental damage.
While the library visit itself might be brief, often around 10 minutes with a guide, the overall experience of exploring the University of Coimbra campus and its historical treasures is well worth the ticket price for many. Be mindful of potential lunch breaks that might affect entry times, and always check the official website for the most current hours and policies.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit