Description of the attraction
Coimbra, located on a hill, is the third most important city in Portugal. It is also called the old university city, as it houses one of the oldest universities in Europe. The university was founded in the 13th century and was originally located in Lisbon. But due to poor organization of functioning in 1537, the university was moved to Coimbra.
The Juanin Library is located in the University of Coimbra, next to the university tower and is named after the Portuguese king João V, during whose reign the library building was built. The building was built in the 18th century. The national coat of arms hangs over the entrance to the library. The library is located at the top of the university and consists of three rooms: red, blue and olive, which are separated by decorative arches. Each room has two-story bookshelves almost to the ceiling. The walls of the library are very thick, and the doors are made of teak wood, which helps to maintain a certain temperature inside so that insects keep out of the oak bookshelves.
The decorative elements of the library's interior are clearly expressed in the Baroque style, a distinctive feature of which is the abundance of gilded details. The tables are made of rosewood and ebony, and the leather covers of the books, as well as the leather upholstery of the armchairs and leather wallpaper, have survived from the foundation of the library. The furniture in the halls is made of exotic woods covered with gilding.
The library contains a large collection of books, which is actively used by both students and teachers of the university. This collection also includes rare specimens, such as one of 20 ancient Hebrew Bibles that survived the Inquisition.
In 1901, the library was renamed the Central Library of the University, as the faculties created their own libraries. In 1962, another library building was built, equipped with modern technologies, where more than a million copies of books are kept.
Description added:
Natalia Topcheeva 07.25.2015
The library was designed and built by the Frenchman Claude Lepardé at the invitation of the Portuguese monarch. The chinoiserie technique is used in the interior of the library - an imitation of Chinese gold painting on wood. The library is home to a family of tiny bats that kill uninvited guests at night.
Show all text The library was designed and built by the Frenchman Claude Lepardé at the invitation of the Portuguese monarch. In the interior of the library, the chinoiserie technique is used - an imitation of the Chinese gold painting on wood. The library is home to a family of tiny bats that destroy uninvited guests from outside at night.
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Reviews
| All reviews 5 Lyakhova Lyudmila 2015-18-10 10:42:21 AM
Juanin's library Nice very informative commentary, but few photos - only 4.
