University of Beira Interior

Template: Infobox college / Logo missing template: Infobox university / staff missing template: Infobox university / professors missing

The University of Beira Interior (Portuguese: Universidade da Beira Interior, or simply UBI ) is a public university founded in 1979 in the Portuguese city of Covilhã with 5192 students. The university was named after the former province of Beira, with Beira Interior mainly refers to the districts of Viseu, Guarda and Castelo Branco in today Região Centro.

History

In August 1973, following a significant change in the national higher education system, a Polytechnic in Covilhã was (Instituto Politécnico da Covilhã ) built by the government. It was the first university in the city. It has grown steadily over the years and in 1979 finally lifted to the University Institute. Seven years later, in 1986, the institute was awarded full university status and was renamed Universidade da Beira Interior.

Wool Museum

The UBI took over the building of former Real Fábrica de Panos (Royal Textile Factory ), a major national wool manufacturer, which was founded by Marquês de Pombal. This building served as spinning, dyeing and weaving to 1885, until it was handed over to accommodate Army units.

In 1975, during the restoration work, archaeological remains of the old textile factory were discovered. The discovery was part of the national cultural heritage and the finds were carefully salvaged and restored.

Today, tours are offered through the museum.