The Tower of the University of Coimbra is one of the most photographed structures in Coimbra, and with good reason. The tower, built in the 18th century to replace the old tower, is stunningly beautiful.
The tower’s bells and clocks regulate life at the University. Ringing a quarter hour behind the town’s clock so as not to confuse students and citizens alike, the tower’s bells signal the start and end of classes and is also used to toll for the death of a teacher and to call the academic community to official acts performed in the Great Hall.
The top of the tower has a platform that was used as an observatory. You can climb the 180 steps to the top of the tower. We chose to forego the climb to allow more time to explore the palace. Maybe on our next visit we’ll make the climb.
Mostly True 