Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha travel guide

The Mosteiro de Santa Clara-a-Velha, located in Coimbra, is a remarkable testament to Portugal's rich medieval history. Founded in 1283 by Mor Dias, a noblewoman, the monastery initially served as a place of retreat and prayer for the Poor Clares, an order of nuns following the teachings of Saint Clare of Assisi. However, it was Queen Elizabeth of Portugal, also known as Saint Elizabeth, who significantly expanded and endowed the convent in the early 14th century. This royal patronage led to the construction of the Gothic-style church and cloister that visitors admire today.

Despite its grandeur, the monastery faced persistent flooding due to its proximity to the Mondego River. By the 17th century, the constant water damage rendered the convent uninhabitable, forcing the nuns to relocate to the newly built Mosteiro de Santa Clara-a-Nova on higher ground. For centuries, the original monastery lay in ruin, partially submerged and forgotten.

Extensive restoration work began in the late 20th century, aiming to preserve its historical and architectural significance. Today, Mosteiro de Santa Clara-a-Velha stands as an evocative ruin, offering visitors a glimpse into Portugal's storied past and the resilience of its cultural heritage.

Mosteiro de Santa Clara-a-Velha in Coimbra, Portugal, is renowned for its distinctive Gothic architecture, particularly its intricate ribbed vaulting and pointed arches that exemplify the medieval style. An essential feature of this monastery is its impressive cloister, which provides a serene and evocative atmosphere for visitors.

The site is also distinguished by its unique relationship with the Mondego River, leading to frequent flooding that eventually necessitated the abandonment of the monastery in the 17th century. Today, visitors can explore the remnants of these flood-prone structures, which have been carefully preserved and partially restored.

Additionally, the Mosteiro boasts a modern interpretation center, which offers a comprehensive look at the site’s history, including artifacts recovered during archaeological excavations. This blend of ancient ruins and contemporary exhibits provides a compelling narrative of the site's evolution. The serene grounds and the contrast between the restored and original elements create a vivid and tangible connection to the past, setting Mosteiro de Santa Clara-a-Velha apart as a remarkable historical and architectural treasure.

Did you know that the Mosteiro de Santa Clara-a-Velha was once submerged under water for several centuries? This was due to its location near the Mondego River, which led to frequent flooding. The monastery was only excavated and restored in the late 20th century. Another fascinating fact is that during the excavation, archaeologists uncovered a treasure trove of medieval artifacts, including pottery, coins, and religious relics, offering a unique glimpse into the daily life of the nuns who lived there. Additionally, the site is renowned for its stunning Gothic architecture, particularly the intricately carved cloisters and rose window, which have been remarkably preserved despite the extensive water damage. Lastly, the monastery's restoration process is considered a pioneering example of heritage conservation in Portugal, blending modern techniques with ancient craftsmanship.

Located in the dynamic Santa Clara e Castelo Viegas, the popular Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha is easy to find and can be explored during a short weekend escape in the beautiful city of Coimbra or as a stop on your countrywide road trip through Portugal.

Coimbra is a perfect holiday destination for those who crave a mix of history, culture, and modern amenities. With its distinct architecture, famous museums, and delicious culinary scene, Coimbra offers something for everyone.

Take a stroll through the charming streets and alleys to discover hidden gems and enjoy the local atmosphere. Visit this popular landmark in Coimbra and immerse yourself in the city's rich history and culture at top attractions, including the remarkable Paço das Escolas, Santa Cruz Church, Jardim Botânico da Universidade de Coimbra, Sé Velha - Coimbra, and Jardins da Quinta das Lágrimas.

Whether you're looking to indulge in shopping or explore the nightlife, Coimbra has it all. Don't forget to sample the delicious cuisine, from traditional dishes to modern fusion.

Experience the best of both worlds in Coimbra, a place where the past meets the present, and you'll create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.

Click the travel guides below to learn more and get ready to make unforgettable memories in Portugal!

The best time to explore Mosteiro de Santa Clara-a-Velha is during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) seasons. These periods offer mild and pleasant weather, ideal for strolling through the historical site and its surroundings. The temperatures are comfortable, typically ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), allowing for a more enjoyable and leisurely visit.

Visiting during these off-peak seasons also means fewer crowds, providing a more intimate experience as you soak in the rich history and serene beauty of the monastery. Additionally, springtime brings blooming flowers and lush greenery, adding a picturesque touch to your visit, while the fall offers a unique charm with its golden foliage.

If you enjoy festivals, visiting in early May aligns with the Queima das Fitas, a traditional student celebration in Coimbra. While not directly related to the monastery, the festive atmosphere in the city can enhance your overall experience.

To make the most of your visit, plan to arrive early in the day. This ensures you have ample time to explore the site fully and enjoy the tranquility before the afternoon sun peaks.

Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha is conveniently accessible by various transportation options in Coimbra, Portugal. If you're flying in, Porto Airport is approximately 72.5 miles (116.7 km) away from Coimbra. From there, you can easily reach Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha by taxi or shuttle.

For those already in Coimbra, buses, taxis, and walking are viable options to reach Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha, which is located 0.6 miles (1 km) from the city center. You can also rent a car and drive to Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha, providing flexibility to explore at your leisure. Its exact address is R. Parreiras, 3040-266 Coimbra, Portugal.

With your transportation plans sorted, get ready for an unforgettable experience at Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha!

There's no better way to discover the wonders of Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha and other top attractions in Coimbra than with a perfectly planned holiday package! Travel packages to Coimbra include everything you need to fully immerse yourself in Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha's wonders and in the beauty and history of the region. These packages offer the perfect opportunity to delve into Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha and experience a variety of activities and destinations tailored to suit all types of travelers.

Keep reading to discover the best travel plans and insider tips for uncovering the charm of this one-of-a-kind monastery in Portugal.

With a rental car, discovering the popular Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha and Portugal's captivating landscapes becomes a breeze, allowing you to explore at your own pace. Upon arrival, international travelers can choose from 1 reputable rental car companies near Porto Airport and the city of Coimbra, making transportation seamless and efficient.

Rental car companies in Portugal cater to a variety of preferences, offering vehicles ranging from compact and midsize to premium, estate, and even camper vans or convertibles. To select the perfect ride, consider your itinerary and specific travel plans in Coimbra and beyond.

Conveniently explore Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha and plenty more captivating attractions in Coimbra by staying at a top-rated hotel in the center of the city. With comfortable accommodations and easy access to Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha and other notable landmarks, wake up well-rested every day, ready to explore all that Coimbra has to offer.

Discover the best hotels for visiting Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha below.

Aside from Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha, Coimbra is home to numerous other top attractions waiting to be explored. From museums and architectural masterpieces to sculptures and natural wonders, the city offers a diverse range of sights to behold. For the ultimate sightseeing tour around Coimbra, there are a number of attractions every itinerary should include, namely Paço das Escolas, Santa Cruz Church, and Jardim Botânico da Universidade de Coimbra.

Paço das Escolas is a bucket-list establishment and top attraction in Coimbra, drawing numerous travelers and locals every year. As evident by its average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 16,000 reviews, this attraction is a popular place to visit for anyone with time to spend in the city. The exact address of Paço das Escolas is 3000-515 Coimbra, Portugal.

Another appreciated attraction in Coimbra is Santa Cruz Church. Like Paço das Escolas, this is one of the most popular sites to visit in the city. With an impressive average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars among 5,100 visitors, it’s also one of the highest-rated. The exact address of this church is Praça 8 de Maio, 3001-300 Coimbra, Portugal.

Jardim Botânico da Universidade de Coimbra is also a clear favorite among travelers seeking to experience the uniqueness of Coimbra. This park and top attraction in Coimbra has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,600 visitors. This attraction is located at the address of CC Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal.

Check out our full list of top attractions in the city of Coimbra below.