The city of Coimbra, located on a hill, is the third most important city of Portugal. It is also called ancient University town, as it is one of the oldest universities in Europe. The University was founded in the XIII century and was originally located in Lisbon. But due to poor organization functioning in 1537, the University moved to Coimbra.

Joanine library is University of Coimbra, near the University tower, and named in honor of the Portuguese king joão V, during the reign of which was constructed library. The building was built in the XVIII century. Above the entrance hangs in the library of the national coat of arms. The library is located at the top of the University, and consists of three halls: red, blue, and olive, which are separated by decorative arches. In each hall there are two-storey shelves almost to the ceiling. The library's walls are very thick, and the doors made of teak wood that helps to maintain a certain temperature inside to not start insects in oak bookshelves.

In the elements of the decorative design of the interior of the library is evident in the Baroque style, characterized by the abundance of gold-plated parts. The tables are made of pink and ebony, and leather book covers, and leather upholstery chairs and leather Wallpaper has been preserved since the founding of the library. The furniture in the rooms is made of exotic wood, covered with gold leaf.

The library houses a large collection of books, which is actively used by students, and teachers of the University. Among this collection there are rare instances, such as one of 20 drevneiudeyskomu Bibles, which survived during the Inquisition.

In 1901, the library was renamed the Central library of the University, as the faculties were created library. In 1962, it was built another building of the library of osnashennom modern technology, which houses more than a million copies of the books.