Academic Prison

Located on the lowest level of the Biblioteca Joanina, the prison served as a detention space for students who violated university rules during the period when the University of Coimbra held judicial autonomy. It was in use from the 16th century until the late 19th century. Its placement beneath the library symbolizes the balance between knowledge and discipline. Inside, visitors can see narrow, dimly lit rooms, thick walls, small windows, and even graffiti left behind by former student prisoners. Note: Entry is only permitted at designated times and must be accompanied by a guide. ※ Included in the Combined Ticket: Joanina Library + University + Science Museum.

Don't waste money and time for that! Just 5 minutes to see nothing except old books.

Cool spot which professors would use to discipline students.

Boring. Just walls and doors

I would not recommend this for anyone with claustrophobia. The cell is tiny and really made you imagine what it would be like to be locked up in there.

There is absolutely nothing to see there (apart from walls)

Este espaço situa-se debaixo da biblioteca joanina. O local de entrada para a visita a Universidade de Coimbra. Os bilhetes tem de ser comprados num balcão junto ao Laboratório Químico. Da antiga prisão acadêmica, onde cumpriam pena os universitários, apenas são visíveis pedras. Não existe nenhuma exposição ou fotografias que ilustrem o seu uso. De qualquer forma, o espaço merece uma visita.

Nos pisos inferiores da Biblioteca Joanina chegamos na Prisão Acadêmica, instalada ali em 1773 (antes ficava na Sala dos Capelos). É hoje a única cadeia medieval existente em Portugal.