Ceremonial Hall and Yellow Room

We next explored the Royal Palace, which was used by the first kings of Portugal, starting with Afonso Henrique in 1131, before it became part of the university. First stop was what is known as the yellow room, a place where the medical faculty met. We then saw the Ceremonial Hall, which originally was the throne hall. It is currently used by the University for most of its official ceremonies, including the ceremony of investiture of the rector, the formal opening of the academic year, and doctors Honoris Causa. PhD oral exams are still conducted in this room. The current design and decoration of this room dates back to 1655, and the portraits of all Portuguese kings, excluding the dynasty of the Philips during the period when Portugal was under Spanish rule.Read more