Designation
University Archive
Current occupation
Archive and research centre
Ownership
University of Coimbra
Art-historical characterisation
This was the first building to be built in the University City complex, between 1943 and 1947, and it was only inaugurated the following year. Designed by José Alberto Pessoa, its classicist and monumental character, dear to the totalitarian regime that built it, lies in the pilasters and moulding that ennoble the entrance portal.
The building is divided into two sections: the main one is made up of four floors, occupied by the administration and public services and document consultation, containing reading, catalogue, conference and temporary exhibition rooms. The other section, comprising six floors, is used to store documents, books and parchments belonging to the Archive. Among its vast collection of documents is the charter for the creation of the General Study, granted by King Dinis in the 13th century, the founding document of the Portuguese University.
The University of Coimbra’s Archive still operates in this building, which also houses the Centre for the History of Society and Culture at the University of Coimbra.
