Portugal 2014 2,5€ University of Coimbra

Continuing with the series featuring listed world heritage sites in Portugal, INCM has minted a coin dedicated to the University of Coimbra - Alta and Sofia, listed by UNESCO in June last year.
Aside from the buildings linked to the university campus, including the Joanina library, the listed area also includes the Santa Cruz Monastery and the Cathedral, or Sé Velha. However, more than the unquestionable architectural value of the complex, the UNESCO listing places particular emphasis on the importance of the role of the institution in Portuguese language and culture.
On the obverse of the coin, designed by sculptor Andreia Pereira, is a stylised perspective of the Patio and the Paço das Escolas, whereas the reverse shows a bird's eye view of how the same architectural complex takes on the form of a shadow, on which the historical part of Coimbra and Rua da Sofia are developed.