Chapel of St Michael Coimbra University, Portugal

Amidst the buildings of Coimbra’s old university and library is a modest little chapel, the Chapel of St Michael Coimbra Portugal. Standing in the courtyard of Coimbra’s University a cute little door, it will not fail to catch your attention. This door in Manueline style is one of the entrances to Chapel of St. Michael.

You don’t get access to the chapel through this door as it is usually closed, may be opens up on certain occasions. We got access to the chapel through a different door on the left of this door.

Chapel of St Michael Coimbra

Ceiling of Chapel of St Michael Coimbra

Coimbra University

Construction of Chapel of St Michael Coimbra

The chapel was constructed in 1517 during the reign of King Manuel I. Walking in we found the walls covered with azulejo tiles. These date back to 17th century and this makes it so different from so many other chapels and cathedrals that we have seen.

The interior of Chapel of St. Michael Coimbra belong to different years. Wiki mentions in a chronological order:
1517 to 1522 – chapel was planned by Marco Pires,
1597 – Simão Ferreira made the lamp of this church,
1601 to 1602 – the cup of this church,
1684 – Manuel Ramos did the pulpit.

Too much data….

Door of the chapel

Capela de São Miguel – Coimbra Portugal

Highlights of Chapel of St Michael Coimbra

  • The golden rope like creation going all along the arch of the altar, you cannot miss that. It is most striking.
  • On each side of this arch are Baroque altarpieces from the 18th century.
  • Manueline windows letting in sunlight kept the interiors so bright.
  • The organ, almost protruding out of wall, dates back to 1737 and has about 2,000 pipes.
  • The horizontal trumpet pipes make an interesting subject to photograph. Its acquisition was sponsored by King John V and is still operational.
  • The sea themed paintings on the ceiling are mesmerizing. It is the creation of Francisco F. de Araújo by the end of the 17th century.

Today the chapel of Capela de São Miguel – Coimbra University is a tourist attraction. It is also a popular venue for catholic weddings, both for locals and alumni.

Guided visits and timings

From November 1st to Holy Friday
Everyday from 9.30 AM to 5.30 PM
Weekends 10.30 AM to 4.30 PM
Rest of the year
9 AM to 7.20 PM (Biblioteca Joanina Library) and 10 AM 7.30 PM (other sites)

Tickets to Chapel of St Michael

Combo tickets to University, Library and Chapel are available at the information center just before the entrance to University complex.

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Chapel of St Michael Coimbra

University of Coimbra, Portugal
Things to Do in Amazing Coimbra Portugal

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