The Ceremonies of the Hall of Capes

One of the most important university ceremonies is the doctoral exam. It follows a hierarchical ritual, with origins in the 14th century. The candidate wears an attire, consisting of black trousers or skirt, white shirt, cassock, long black cape and black shoes. They sit at a secluded desk, in a lower position, in front of the jury. The jury occupies part of the armchairs called "Doctorais" which surround almost the entire room. At the top, where the king's throne used to be, is still the most important chair, the one that sits the rector. In other ceremonies, such as the so-called imposition of insignia, the new doctors receive the Borla and the Capelo - that is, the traditional costume made up of hat and cape - in the colour that corresponds to the Faculty to which they belong. A small orchestra, called a charamela, at the back of the room, on a wooden platform, plays the academic anthem.

It is also in the Sala dos Capelos that the solemn opening of classes takes place every year and, every 4 years, the investiture of the Rector.