Discover what’s below the Paço das Escolas
Excavations at the Pátio das Escolas, in the University of Coimbra, started in 2000, have revealed a rich history of human occupation, from the Roman period to the present day. One of the most significant discoveries was the finding of a Roman domus, a noble residence that included a room with mosaics, a cistern, private baths, and an olive oil or wine press. The mosaic-paved room, possibly a triclinium (dining room), featured intricate decorative motifs, such as friezes and Solomon’s knots, indicating the wealth and status of its owner. The cistern, coated with opus signinum, was used for water storage and showed signs of remodeling over time.
During Late Antiquity, the domus underwent modifications, such as the overlaying of clay floors on top of the mosaics, indicating changes in the use of space. During the Islamic period, the site was transformed with the construction of the Alcácer, a fortified palace that served as the city’s administrative center. The presence of medieval structures, such as walls and floors associated with Islamic ceramics, attests to the continuity of occupation and the site’s strategic importance.
After the Christian Reconquista, the space was adapted for academic functions, becoming part of the Royal Palace and, later, the University of Coimbra. The excavations also identified traces of modern and contemporary structures, showing how the Pátio das Escolas has been continuously remodeled over the centuries.
