The University of Coimbra General Library has been in operation since the early 16th century in Portugal. Inventory for the
library dating back to as early as 1513 shows that the library at the time already held more than 120 manuscripts. Officially
established in 1537, the library today holds more than a million titles, with a separate building for historical pre-19th
century books. Formally named the Biblioteca Joanina, the building’s majestic Baroque architecture illustrates its 500-year
history in Coimbra. The library is open daily to the public.