University of Coimbra: Weapons Room, Yellow Room and Blue Room

Pátio das Escolas - 3000 Coimbra
Phone: (+351) 239.859.841

URL: University of Coimbra: Weapons Room, Yellow Room and Blue Room

University of Coimbra: Weapons Room, Yellow Room and Blue Room
The Weapons Room was part of the royal wing of the old palace.

It houses the panoply of arms (halberds) of the Royal Academic Guard, which are still worn by the Halberdiers at the formal academic ceremonies (special and honoris causa doctoral ceremonies, the Inauguration of the Chancellor, the Formal Opening of the Academic Year).

The frieze of figurative tiles on the walls dates back to 1773, and depicts romantic scenes based on Dutch prints.

The tiles were painted in Lisbon and manufactured in the Rato Factory.

The ceiling, dating back to the 19th century, displays the Portuguese royal coat of arms in the centre.

The walls of the Yellow Room, adjacent to the Weapons Room, are covered in yellow silk as a reminder of the Faculty of Medicine.

It was here that the «congregation of the Faculty of Medicine» (the meeting of the bodies that formed the faculty) was held.

The portraits on its walls depict the cancellors who served the University of Coimbra in the 19th century.

The Blue Room is the last room of the former royal wing to which visitors have access.

Its colour evokes the Faculty of Sciences and Tecnology and, like in the previous one, some portraits of former chancellors may be ssen on its walls.

On the left-hand side of the wall at the back of the room is the portrait of chancellor Viscount of Seabra, who, in addition to being a professor at the Faculty of Law, was also the author of the first Portuguese Civil Code.

These rooms are still in use today.

At the end of academic ceremonies, they provide access to the Senate Room, where, after doctoral ceremonies, all the professors and guest authorities pay their respects to the canchellor and the new doctor.