Biblioteca Joanina

by Paulo Mendes

During part of 2007 and part of 2008 I have spent a large amount of time taking photographs of the Joanina Library (Biblioteca Joanina) of the University of Coimbra. This has been possible in view of my collaboration (as a photographer) on a multimedia DVD that the Library of the University (Biblioteca Geral da Universidade de Coimbra) published in September 2008.

The english title of the DVD is "João V's Baroque virtual Library" (ISBN 978-972-616-224-7). You may find a description of this DVD on the Biblioteca Joanina site. It has detailed historical, architectural and artistic information thoroughly illustrated with photographs as well as a virtual visit of the building and you may even read 21 of the rarest books belonging to the University. If you visit Coimbra the Joanina Library is a must see, and this DVD will be the best way to remember, and re-visit, what you have seen.

The present is a companion site to the Biblioteca Joanina's site and to the DVD. It includes a slideshow of some of the best pictures I made and a Gigapixel tour of the Baroque interior.

Slideshow Gigapixel tour