Biblioteca Joanina

The Joanina Library is one of the most beautiful and historically important libraries in the world. Yes, you only get about 10 minutes inside and can’t take photos, but there’s a very good reason for that: every person who enters raises the temperature and humidity, which can damage the priceless 18th-century books and gilded woodwork. The short visits help preserve this masterpiece for future generations. If you’re planning a visit, don’t just go on your own — book the English tour early in the morning and show up 15 minutes ahead. It’s around €25 per person, and totally worth it. The tour lasts about 90 minutes and gives you context not just for the library, but also for the University of Coimbra and nearby cathedrals. You can take photos on the other floors, and the experience inside the main hall is unforgettable even without pictures. In short: if you go in with the right expectations, this is one of Portugal’s must-see cultural treasures.

Fee is up to 16.5 euros. But it covers the library, chapel, palace, cabinet of curiosities and three other things we found boring. Let's talk about the library since that is the reason to come. Yes it is phenomenal. Yes the staff is kind of rude, overly strict and very pretentious. Yes you only get 10 minutes in the actual library. Yes they seem strict about entry times and have vaguely restrictive hours (we got some attitude because it was right before their 1254-2 lunch hour). I still think it's ultimately worth it. Because they are pretentious and periodically delete their google listing to remove photos, here are a few I found.

It feels like a waste of time and money. If photos and filming aren’t allowed and visitors only get 10 minutes inside, maybe it’s better to keep it private instead of opening it to tourists. And the staff? Instead of creating a welcoming experience, they spent the entire time policing who might dare to secretly take a photo. It honestly feels less about preservation and more about profit. When visitors are treated like a problem instead of guests, it stops being culture and becomes just business. (They just need money, money, money to preseve the books, apparently) **Charging a premium while offering stress instead of experience.

This Baroque library was commissioned by King João V (D. João V) of Portugal and named in his honor. Construction began in 1717 and was completed in 1728, with the first books added in 1750. Today, the library houses over 70,000 rare and antique volumes, many of which were published between the 15th and 18th centuries. The library is divided into three levels: the Noble Floor (upper level), the Middle Floor, and the Prison (lower level). The books are primarily stored on the upper two levels. The Noble Floor is the most ornate, consisting of three interconnected rooms, each with elaborately gilded bookshelves, balconies, and a distinct background color—black, red, and green. The Middle Floor was historically used for the conservation, cataloging, and restoration of books; today, it serves as an exhibition space for historical documents. Note: Entry is only permitted at designated times and must be accompanied by a guide. Photography is strictly prohibited in the Noble Floor. ※ Included in the Combined Ticket: Joanina Library + University + Science Museum.

The library is good but not amazing as per professional pictures with photo shop in the book and with paid visit 17 euro, the price too high.. this price cover another 3 places.. the library it self located in campus area and having impressive layout n plaza

One of the most amazing places I have ever seen. Unfortunately, no pictures allowed! But I have to admit that the library has a jaw-dropping effect :) there are about 60,000 books dating as early as the 15th century! Inside it looks like a palace. And what’s more interesting- at night they let the bats in to kill all the insects, so they cover the furniture. All pictures are taken in the place before you go into the main room where no pictures are allowed! Before the library you are allowed to see the university prison for about 5-7 min. You will have about 10 minutes in the main part of the library, which is quite enough to walk around. You need to come specifically at the appointed time (tickets bought in advance and what is strange they are bought like 3 blocks away from the library). If you come earlier you will be allowed to sit on the benches inside and wait for the tour to start.

Very cool place! The inside is beautiful. The ticket is worth the price as it includes admission to other parts of the university. However, they absolutely do not allow photos.

The library itself is absolutely stunning - the baroque interiors are breathtaking and genuinely beautiful. That's worth the one additional star. Unfortunately, the staff here were incredibly rude and unhelpful. Everyone has been lovely in the city, but the people working here were shockingly impolite. It completely overshadowed the experience. 2 stars total - one for the beauty, because the space itself deserves it. Just brace yourself for the attitude if you visit.