The Joanina Library in Coimbra is one of the most beautiful libraries in Portugal, with around 60,000 old books, carved wood, gold details and painted ceilings.
It was built during the reign of King João V and completed in 1728. The library takes its name from the king, whose portrait can still be seen inside.
But one of the most unusual things about the library is that two colonies of bats have lived inside it for around 250 years and they are actually useful.
The bats feed on insects that could damage the old books, so their presence helps with pest control inside the library.
Of course, having bats also creates a small problem. At the end of each day, the tables are covered with leather protections to protect them from the bats' droppings.
The building itself also helps preserve the collection.
The exterior walls are more than two metres thick, which helps maintain stable temperature and humidity. The bookshelves are made from oak, a wood whose density and smell also help keep insects away.
The main floor is divided into three impressive rooms, with painted ceilings and shelves decorated with gold. Most of the books in the collection date from the 16th to the 18th centuries.
For me, it is one of the places you shouldn't miss if you're spending some time in Coimbra.
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