Sala Dos Capelos

The Sala dos Capelos is the ceremonial centre of the University of Coimbra, a large, formal hall on the first floor of the Paço das Escolas, the old royal palace that has housed the university since the 16th century. Its full name, the Great Hall of Acts, tells you what it is for: the most important academic ceremonies take place here, including the conferral of doctorates, the investiture of the rector and the opening of the academic year. The capelo of its name is the academic hood worn by doctors, the symbol of the degree.

The building was once the main room of a palace. The Paço da Alcáçova, which stands on the highest part of Coimbra's hill, was a residence of Portuguese kings from the 12th century onward, and the great hall was the throne room, where monarchs received guests and held ceremonies. In 1537, King João III gave the palace to the university, which had moved to Coimbra from Lisbon, and the throne room became the university's grand hall, a role it has played for almost five centuries. The room was rebuilt and redecorated several times, and its present appearance comes largely from work in the 17th century.

The hall is a rectangle of generous proportions, with walls covered in red damask, a colour that gives it a dignified, slightly theatrical air. The ceiling is wooden and painted with grotesque decoration, a Renaissance style of fanciful plants, figures and fantastic creatures, in a rich scheme of colour. Along the walls hangs a series of portraits of Portuguese kings, a gallery of the monarchy's long relationship with the university, painted by various artists over the centuries. At one end, a canopy marks the place of the throne, and the rector's seat and the chairs for ceremonies are arranged along the sides. Large windows overlook the courtyard, and the city and river lie beyond.

Visitors usually reach the hall as part of a tour of the university's historic buildings. The route often passes through the adjoining Sala das Armas, the Hall of Arms, where the weapons of the academic guard were once kept, and the Examination Room, where students defended their theses before a panel. The tour also includes the famous Joanina Library, with its gilded Baroque reading rooms, the chapel of São Miguel and the courtyard, where the Iron Gate and the university tower dominate the view. Tickets are usually sold as a combined package, and times are limited, so check in advance and book early in summer.

The university and its surrounding area were listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage site in 2013. The hall suits anyone with an interest in history, academic traditions and decorative arts. Because ceremonies are held here, it may sometimes be closed to visitors, so check the schedule before you go. Allow time to see the other rooms and enjoy the view from the terrace.