This grand arch in front of you is known as the Porta Férrea, or the Iron Gate. This is the formal entrance to the University of Coimbra. Built in the early seventeenth century, it's a triumphal arch with two faces, following the tradition of military gate-forts. Let’s start with this part you are presently looking at. In the central niche of the doorway stands King Denis of Portugal, the founder of the university in the late thirteenth century. Flanking the doorway are two allegorical figures. The statue to your left, holding a book, is Medicine, representing healing and science, and to your right is Law, symbolizing justice and order. Now, walk through the passage and turn around to face the other side of this gate. Here, in the central niche, you’ll see King John the Third of Portugal, who permanently moved the university here to Coimbra in the early sixteenth century. Flanking the doorway are Theology to your left and Canon Law to your right, reflecting the deep connection between education, religion, and royal authority at the time. And, crowning the structure, is the figure of Sapiência - Wisdom, overseeing the entire composition. Now, this gate matters to every student who has ever studied here. Here’s why: There are two moments in a Coimbra student's life that centre on the Porta Férrea. The first is the Imposição de Insígnias — when freshmen pass through the gate for the first time as part of their formal initiation into the university. The second is the Queima das Fitas — the Burning of the Ribbons festival, which I told you about at the Cathedral. This is when graduating students pass through this gate for the last time, burning the coloured ribbon of their faculty as they go. Law students burn red. Medicine burns yellow. Humanities, dark blue. Sciences, light blue. Pharmacy, purple. After the ceremony, there's the Rasganço — the ritual tearing. But here's the detail that surprises people: the cape is deliberately spared. It's the batina, the cassock, and the rest of the clothing that get torn to shreds by friends. The cape is a lifelong memento, too precious to destroy. A friend "steals" it instead, and the near-naked graduate has to chase them through the streets to recover it. Sounds like a fun ritual amidst an emotional farewell. Now, remember that the entry through this gate is free, and you can explore the square behind you. But to view the specific buildings on the square, you will need a ticket. Now, turn around and play the next stop.