The Interior of St. Michael´s Chapel

As we enter the nave covered with traditional tiles, the majestic baroque organ, placed here by King John V in 1733, stands out. With more than 2000 pipes, this exuberant gilded carved case incorporates paintings with Chinoiserie motifs, a decorative solution very much in fashion at the time.

In the main chapel, the image of the archangel St. Michael, to which the temple is dedicated, and the altarpiece with paintings alluding to the Life of Christ, occupy an important place.

The side altars are dedicated to Our Lady of Light and St. Catherine, patron saints of the academic community. Regarding the latter, it is worth remembering Father António Vieira's passage through Coimbra in 1663, the year in which he delivered the famous St. Catherine’s Sermon.

Next to the altar on the right-hand side is a large sculpture of the Immaculate Conception, Patroness of Portugal and of the University. Until the 19th century, the statutes of this institution required teachers and graduates to swear solemn oaths before the patron saint, demonstrating a growing devotion to her.

The status of the university chapel is also visible in the ceiling of the high altar. At the centre is the insignia of the University, represented by the figure of Wisdom. Around it, the emblems of the main Faculties: Theology, Canons, Laws and Medicine. At the end of the 18th century, the works in the chapel also reaffirmed the royal power in the University.

By building a royal tribune on the upper choir, connected to the Palace, the king assumed the privilege of attending the academic ceremonies in his own space, reserved from the community, but with great visibility to the altar.

Nowadays, the entire university community can use the chapel to celebrate weddings or funeral ceremonies. The professors, wearing their academic attire, occupy a reserved place in the main chapel, which, as a rule, is not accessible to lay people.