Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha
Coimbra
The Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha, located on the left bank of the Mondego River in Coimbra, Portugal, is a significant Gothic monument founded in the early 14th century. Originally established by Queen Elizabeth of Portugal in 1314, the monastery was built over an earlier foundation and consecrated in 1330. It features a church with a nave and two aisles, vaulted stone ceilings, and tall Gothic mullioned windows, reflecting the influence of the Monastery of Alcobaça. Despite its architectural grandeur, the monastery suffered from frequent flooding due to its proximity to the river, which led to the elevation of floors and eventually abandonment in the 17th century. The nuns relocated to the nearby Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Nova, taking with them important tombs, including that of Queen Elizabeth. After centuries of neglect and partial submersion, the ruins were excavated and conserved in the late 20th century. Today, the site includes a visitor center and offers a glimpse into medieval monastic life, the legacy of the Poor Clares, and Gothic architecture in Portugal.
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Tip: Visitors should plan their visit during the spring and summer months for the best weather and longer opening hours. Tickets can be purchased on-site, but booking in advance is recommended during peak tourist seasons. The site offers discounts for students, seniors, and groups. Guided tours provide valuable insights into the monastery's history and architecture. Note that the ruins are partially exposed, so appropriate footwear and weather-appropriate clothing are advised.
Interesting facts
- •The monastery was repeatedly flooded by the Mondego River, leading to the construction of an elevated pavement inside the church halfway to the roof around 1612.
- •Queen Elizabeth of Portugal, the monastery's patron, was canonized in 1626 and her tomb was originally located here before being moved to the new monastery.
- •The church's architectural design was heavily influenced by the Monastery of Alcobaça, especially in its vaulting and floorplan.
- •Despite centuries underwater and buried in mud, the ruins are remarkably well preserved, revealing much about Gothic monastic architecture in Portugal.
History
The Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha was originally founded in the 1280s by Mor Dias but was dissolved in 1311.
It was refounded in 1314 by Queen Elizabeth of Portugal, who commissioned the construction of the Gothic complex starting in 1316.
The church was consecrated in 1330, and Queen Elizabeth was buried there in 1336.
Due to persistent flooding from the Mondego River, the monastery was elevated multiple times but eventually abandoned in 1647 by royal order.
The nuns moved to a new monastery on higher ground, leaving the old site to fall into ruin.
Excavations and conservation efforts began in the 20th century, culminating in a visitor center opening in 2009.
Place Guide
Church Nave and Aisles14th century
The main body of the church features a nave and two aisles, all covered with stone vaulting, a rarity for mendicant monastic orders in Portugal. The nave is illuminated by tall Gothic mullioned windows and three rose windows, creating a striking vertical and light-filled space.
Poligonal Apse with Three Chapels14th century
The church's apse features three polygonal chapels, with the central one being the largest. The central chapel was originally illuminated by three windows but has lost its stone roof over time.
Cloisters14th century
Built in the 14th century to the south side of the church, the cloisters were part of the monastic complex and supplied with water via a canal from the Quinta do Pombal (now Quinta das Lágrimas).
Visitor Center2009
Opened in 2009 after extensive restoration and archaeological excavation, the visitor center offers educational exhibits about the monastery's history, architecture, and archaeological findings, enhancing the visitor experience.
Contact
Phone: 239 441 674
