College and Church of Nossa Senhora da Graça

Thanks to the assistance of King João III, and under the direction of the Spaniard Friar Luís de Montoya, the College began operating in 1543 for the Calced Hermits of Saint Augustine, better known as the “Gracianos,” and was incorporated into the University by Royal Charter in 1549. It was responsible for the education of many distinguished scholars who followed the theological and philosophical teachings of Saint Augustine, some of whom would go on to become rectors of the University.

The complex of buildings was designed by the architect Diogo de Castilho, and the church was one of the first Portuguese Renaissance-style buildings in Portugal.

After the extinction of the Religious Orders and the nationalization of their houses and assets, the Church was handed over to the Brotherhood of Senhor dos Passos and the collegiate part is currently occupied by the League of Combatants of the Great War, the CES, and the 25 de Abril Documentation Center.

Established in 1540 by the Bishop of Miranda, D. Rodrigo de Carvalho, for twelve poor clergymen from Miranda to study Theology or Canon Law at the University of Coimbra. The building was constructed between 1543 and 1548 and originally consisted of a church, a cloister, and a dormitory.

It is part of the University, Alta, and Sofia complex, classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 2013.