The University of Coimbra (Universidade de Coimbra) is a Portuguese state university with administrative and financial autonomy in Coimbra, a city of central Portugal. It is one of the oldest universities in Europe, and is one of the country's most important education and research institutions, being member of the Coimbra Group, a group of leading european research universities, whose founding meeting it hosted.
History
The university was founded, or ratified, in 1290 by King Dinis, having begun its existence in Lisbon. The royal charter announcing the institution of the University was dated 1st March of that year, although efforts had been made at least since 1288 to create this first University in Portugal; it is thus one the oldest of such establishments in the Iberian Peninsula. The Papal confirmation was also given in 1290 (on 9th August of that year), during the Papacy of the Pope Nicholas IV. In accordance with the Papal Bull, all the "licit" Faculties, with the exception of that of Theology, could be established. Thus the Faculties of Arts, Law, Canon Law and Medicine were the first to be created.
It was, however, not to remain in Lisbon for long. In 1308, likely due to problems of emancipation from the Church (relations between the latter and the political power being somewhat strained at the time) and conflicts between the inhabitants of the city and the students, the University moved to Coimbra. This town already had old traditions in education, being home to the highly successful school of the Monastery of Santa Cruz. The university was then established on the site known as "Estudos Velhos", which corresponds roughly to the area where the Main Library now stands.
In 1338, during the reign of Afonso IV, it was once again transferred to Lisbon, from whence it returned in 1354, this time to the centre of the town which was then in full expansion. In 1377, during the reign of King Fernando, it was transferred yet again to Lisbon, where it would remain for over a century and a half. The authorization for a Faculty of Theology probably dates from this period - around 1380.
In 1537, during the reign of João III, the university moved definitively to Coimbra, where it was installed in the Alcaçova Palace. At the same time, a restructuring of the curricula was undertaken and new teachers, both Portuguese and foreign, were admitted.
Organization
The university of Coimbra is divided in eight different faculties (Humanities, Law, Medicine, Science & Technology, Pharmacy, Economics, Psychology & Teacher Training, Sports Sciences), comprising about 20 000 students. Its hospital school, HUC (Hospitais da Universidade de Coimbra), is a leading european hospital, known as a centre of research and high-quality medical services. The university also harbours a huge central library, a stadium and sports complex, a private church and many support facilities such as dining halls and studying rooms.
Students
Students are represented by the students' union Associação Académica de Coimbra (AAC). Formed on the 3rd November 1887, it is the oldest students' union in Portugal, with a long history of struggle against unpopular state policies, forming notable politicians and intellectuals along the way. It also harbours a very dynamic associative life, its numerous sports (see below) and cultural sections being an important structure of extra-curricular formation. The latter include activities such as theatre, cinema, radio and television broadcast, music, choral singing, journalism or philately. Every student, and more rarely any regular citizen, is entitled to belong to these sections.
Sports, clubs and traditions
Closely related with this old university are many academic traditions and institutions with a strong impact on the city's life. The old "Republics" (autonomous students' residences) remain, as well as some traditional festivities, most notably the "Queima das Fitas" (a celebration of graduation's end, symbolized by the burning of the ribbons with the colors of each of the eight faculties), the frequent use of traditional attire, the "Fado de Coimbra" (Coimbra's fado, now sung in organized shows rather than the traditional street serenades), and the academic ceremonies (namely the conferring of doctorate degrees).
The sports sections of the AAC play a significant role in Coimbra's sport life, often being the city's main representative in that area. They include rugby, handball, basketball, baseball, martial arts, athletics, gymnastic or swimming, among others. Just as with the cultural sections, every student, including professional or semi-professional athletes, may belong to them.
The city's main football club, usually known as "Académica" or "Briosa", is formally an autonomous football organism of the AAC (called AAC-OAF), but nowadays it is mostly an independent club, only loosely connected to its mother institution. It is a relatively important team, especially as regards to its huge number of followers nationwide, and plays in the top portuguese football leagues, having been the first winner in history of the Portuguese Football Cup, in 1939.
See also
External links
Last updated: 10-25-2005 09:05:59
