Torre da Universidade de Coimbra (University Tower), Coimbra

The University Tower dominates the university courtyard and buildings. It was built in 1537 as the palace of King John III became the University of Coimbra. It was declared, "There could be no university without a clock". So the tower was equipped with a clock and bells. A freshman student was not to be seen on the streets after the bell tolled.

When the tower was built no one had a watch. The clock and bells were needed to regulate the day. The current clock was installed in 1867. It replaced the clock from 1728, which in turn had replaced another clock. Old statutes require that the University clock should always be a quarter of an hour behind town time.

The tower is 112 feet high and it sits on the highest point on the city's skyline. Long called "Cabra" (meaning "Goat" in English) by local citizens, it has become the iconic symbol of Coimbra itself. The bells of Cabra would ring every 15 minutes and on the hour to announce classes. The most important worker in the University was the bell ringer.

Visitors may climb to the top of the tower for a small fee. It is not an easy climb, there are many stairs. The view from the top is breathtaking. One can see the Mondego River, all of the University and the town in every direction. Afternoons on a clear day are best for an unforgettable sunset.