This monumental elevation is one of a group of projects developed by Elsden, in accordance with the plans of the Marquês, to rebuild the southwestern façade of the Pátio das Escolas. Although the plans were endorsed with his signature, they were never implemented. This drawing and the respective plan (fig. 6a), are related to the greatest structural transformation proposed within the scope of the Pombaline Reform of the University of Coimbra: to change the orientation of the Capela de S. Miguel, placing it parallel to the Biblioteca Joanina. The Chapel would then be placed perpendicularly to the square and between two libraries, the Biblioteca Joanina and another, to follow the same or a very similar construction.To give added grandeur to the façade, a Neo-Classical portico with a triangular frontispiece, was to be opened in its centre, attaining the full height of the building and indicating the entrance to the Chapel. These are the only plans in the book that do not register the name of the person responsible for the work, nor the signature of the assistant draftsman who made the copy.

                                                
                                                   









University Library - plan
34,5 x 44,3 cm
MNMC 2231.xi