College of São Tomás
Presentation
The current Palace of Justice in Coimbra occupies the building of the former College of St. Thomas Aquinas, one of the most prestigious university colleges in the city, founded in the 16th century.
It underwent various renovations, the most significant of which took place at the end of the 19th century, adapting the former college space into the residence of the Counts of Ameal. During the 20th century, it was adapted into the Palace of Justice.
Its main façade features magnificent wrought ironwork, particularly on its gates, which are considered the largest wrought ironwork in the country and were created by Coimbra artists Albertino Marques, Daniel Rodrigues, and António Maria da Conceição in 1933. The central gate features a symbolic figure of Justice, modeled after Daniel Rodrigues' daughter, Augusta da Conceição.
The cloister, begun in 1555 and attributed to Diogo de Castilho, has been preserved from the original building. It features enormous panels of historical tiles covering the walls of the atrium and the two floors of the cloister, designed by Jorge Colaço.
Read moreObservations
As it is currently the seat of a court, it is not open for interior tourist visits, but the exterior preserves its heritage value.
Schedule
Monday to Friday
09:00 - 12:30 | 14:00 - 16:00
Particularities
The architecture retains the sobriety of collegiate buildings of the time, later adapted to meet the institutional needs of justice.
Extra Information
It is possible to admire the building from the outside and learn about its history as part of the university circuit of Coimbra’s Upper area.
Aspetos Diferenciadores
Its conversion into a judicial building demonstrates Coimbra’s ability to preserve and adapt its heritage without erasing the memory of its original function.
History
The College of São Tomás de Aquino was founded in the 16th century by the Congregation of Secular Canons of Saint John Evangelist. Over time and after the extinction of religious orders, the building passed into the public sphere and became the seat of the Palace of Justice of Coimbra.
This transformation reflects the historical journey of many religious buildings in the city, which continue to serve the community, albeit in different roles.
College of São Tomás
Rua da Sofia
3000-064 Coimbra
coimbra.tr@tribunais.org.pt
www.trc.pt