The surprising bat mission in Coimbra, Portugal

You’ve probably already heard of the University of Coimbra in Portugal. It’s the oldest university in Europe, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And that’s not all! I’m telling you about this university today because I’d like to highlight the Joanina Library, which is located high up in the historic center of the University of Coimbra. This baroque-style library was voted the most beautiful university library in the world in 2012, and you’ll quickly understand why if you go there. Today, I’m not going to talk about the beauty of this library, but about a curious phenomenon that takes place there every night.

University of Coimbra, Portugal

Every night, a curious phenomenon unfolds in this library in Coimbra, Portugal. To protect its 60,000 books, the Joanina Library is populated by bats. Yes, you heard me right! There are bats in the library! But what are they doing?

Some of the many books in the Coimbra library in Portugal

The mission of these bats is to protect the books by chasing away insects that enter the library and risk damaging the books. Every evening, after closing time, library staff cover the reading tables to protect them from bat droppings, and every morning the floor is washed after the bats have gone out for the night. It’s an original system, but one that works very well, ensuring that the precious books in Portugal’s Coimbra library are protected without a hitch.

Interior of the Coimbra library in Portugal

Have you ever visited the Joanina Library in Coimbra, Portugal?

If you liked this article, click on the “Share this article” tab. And welcome to our social networks:

• Facebook Group -> “Lovers of Portugal”,
• Facebook page -> “Vivre au Portugal” (Living in Portugal)
• Instagram -> “Living in Portugal”

Receive the latest blog posts and our selection of properties every month.

* required fieldFirst name * *Last name Telephone E-mail address * *Current city of residence Area of interest: *

• Buying a property in Portugal
• Renting a property in Portugal
• Nothing special in mind

Date of arrival in Portugal How can we help you? * * Please contact me:*

• Quickly please
• Later please

Region of interest *

• Almada
• Aroeira
• Seixal
• Setubal
• Other

You can view our Privacy Policy and General Terms and Conditions here

Maison 5

Single-storey house with swimming pool

399.800€

Just a few meters from the magnificent bay of São Martinho do Porto, lies this…

Simone Barbosa

Appartement São Martinho do Porto 8

Condominium apartments facing the sea

250.000€

Beautiful apartments in São Martinho do Porto “Janela da Baía”! Located in the heart of…

Simone Barbosa

Maison Rua de Paris 13

Villa already finished and ready to move in: 4-suite bungalow on 750m2 plot in a quiet area of Azeitão

700.000€

House already finished and ready to move into! Close to shops and services, quick access…

  4   5

Simone Barbosa

Maison Verdizela/Aroeira 15

Magnificent house with basement, indoor and outdoor pool in Verdizela/Aroeira

2.100.000€

New turnkey project: magnificent single-storey villa, 498m2 in surface area, high-end finishes on a 1875m2…

  3   5

Simone Barbosa

Commerce 12

Goodwill 200m from the beach and 10km from Lisbon!

78.900€

If you’re looking for a pastry shop / restaurant, fully equipped and close to the…

dominique Rodrigues

Appartement parque luso 13

This T3 apartment in the private Jardim dos Navegantes condominium offers security and privacy.

390.000€

The condominium offers a large swimming pool, a gym and a magnificent garden with pond…

  3   3

dominique Rodrigues

Appartement 12

Luxury apartment on the edge of a nature reserve

495.000€

Your modern, spacious apartment between the beach and Lisbon’s capital. – Beach 5min – Golf…

  3   2   Almada m2

dominique Rodrigues

Commerce 1

If you’re looking for a fully equipped café/tea room close to the beach, you’ve come to the right place!

238.000€

Business in full operation, includes the establishment’s customer portfolio and takeaway service, with a total…

  1

dominique Rodrigues

Maison Pêra 27

House T3 1 10 min from Lisbon and 5 min from the beaches

545.000€

READY TO MOVE IN! New T3 1 ready-to-live-in house in a quiet, rural neighborhood with…

Simone Barbosa

Maison rua são miguel 9

4 bedroom villa with pool and jacuzzi in Aroeira

850.000€

Modern, minimalist architect-designed house with exceptional details in a quiet location in Aroeira 2-storey house…

  4   4

Simone Barbosa