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The Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Nova is one of Coimbra’s most important religious and historical landmarks. Built in the 17th century, this monastery was established as the new home for the Poor Clare nuns after the original Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha suffered repeated flooding from the nearby Mondego River. Located on higher ground, Santa Clara-a-Nova boasts impressive Baroque architecture and beautiful interiors, including ornate altarpieces and the tomb of Saint Elizabeth of Portugal. It remains an active religious site as well as a popular tourist destination, offering visitors a glimpse into Coimbra’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage.
The monastery is situated on elevated land near the Mondego River, not far from the historic city center of Coimbra. Visitors can reach it by:
Coimbra has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The best time to visit Santa Clara-a-Nova is during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October), when temperatures are moderate and weather conditions are ideal for sightseeing.
Summers can be quite warm, with temperatures occasionally reaching above 30°C (86°F), so carrying water and sun protection is recommended. Winters are mild but can be rainy, so visitors should check forecasts and dress accordingly.
The Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Nova is open to visitors during regular daytime hours, typically:
Guided tours may be available at specific times. It is advisable to check the official website or local tourist information centers for the latest details.
Santa Clara-a-Nova is famous primarily because it replaced the older Santa Clara-a-Velha monastery, which was abandoned due to persistent flooding. It became the new spiritual home of the Poor Clare nuns in Coimbra.
Architecturally, the monastery is notable for its grand Baroque style, richly decorated chapels, and the tomb of Queen Saint Elizabeth of Portugal. The queen, who founded the original monastery and was later canonized, is a central figure in Portuguese religious history, making this site important for pilgrims and history enthusiasts alike.
The monastery’s art, architecture, and religious significance attract visitors interested in Coimbra’s cultural heritage and Portuguese religious history.
Visitors can enter the monastery by purchasing tickets at the entrance or sometimes online. Entry details typically include:
Inside the monastery, photography is generally permitted, but flash photography may be restricted in certain areas to protect artworks.
The Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Nova was constructed between 1649 and 1696 to replace the flood-prone Santa Clara-a-Velha. Built on higher, safer ground, it reflects the Baroque architectural style popular in Portugal during the 17th century.
The exterior features plain but elegant walls, while the interior is lavishly decorated with gilded woodwork, intricate azulejo tiles, and exquisite religious paintings. The church within the monastery houses the tomb of Saint Elizabeth of Portugal, a revered queen and saint who founded the original convent.
The monastery’s chapels and altars are adorned with fine carvings and religious iconography, representing Portugal’s Baroque religious art at its finest. The building’s architecture emphasizes verticality, light, and ornamentation, creating a spiritual atmosphere.
