The Former Throne Room

The former throne room was the main room of the Royal Palace. As all the kings of the first dynasty spent long stays here, these walls witnessed remarkable episodes in Portuguese political life of that period. Even after Lisbon became the capital of the kingdom, this room continued to be used for solemn court ceremonies. At the beginning of the 16th century, King Manuel had it remodelled to increase the grandeur of this space of power in which he received subjects and ambassadors, held court meetings and banquets.

When the university was definitively installed in the Royal Palace, from 1537, this room remained the most important, hosting the solemn acts of academic life, such as doctoral exams, honorary doctorate ceremonies or the investiture of the rector. For this reason, it is called the Great Hall of Acts.

However, they also call it Sala dos Capelos, a word that refers to the small ceremonial cape with which the doctors cover their shoulders.