The Patio Balcony

The balcony is a privileged space to observe one of the most imposing ceremonies: the honorary doctorate awarded to distinguished individuals.

The procession, starting at the Joanine Library, crosses the courtyard based on a 16th century custom. At the front, the charamela plays a march. Then follow the archers, with halberds raised, representing the old guard of the university. Behind them go the doctors, in pairs, in academic dress and wearing the doctoral insignia: the biretta, symbolising intelligence, and the short cape, symbolising science, known as Borla and Capelo. The order of the faculties and the order of the doctors respects seniority, with the youngest at the head. After the doctors, go the speakers and the Herald, who, as the name suggests, is responsible for presenting the candidate to the community. Behind them are the university employees, known as Bedels and the pageboy who carries the hat, the ring and the Doctoral Student's book on a silver salver. Then follows the Secretary with the staff distinctive of the functions he performs. Finally, the procession is closed by the Rector, the Dean of the faculty that grants the degree and, between them, the Doctoral Student, still without the hat, which will be given during the ceremony. The procession goes up the Via Latina, decorated with laurel wreaths, and enters the Sala dos Capelos, to begin the presentation of the insignia.