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The Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha is a remarkable historic site located in Coimbra, Portugal. Founded in the 14th century, this Gothic monastery was originally built on the banks of the Mondego River. It served as an important religious and cultural center for centuries. However, frequent flooding forced its abandonment in the 17th century and the religious community moved to a new location, Santa Clara-a-Nova. Today, the ruins of Santa Clara-a-Velha stand as a testament to medieval architecture and the resilience of history. The site has undergone extensive archaeological work and restoration, making it a fascinating destination for visitors interested in history, architecture, and heritage.
The Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha is located near the southern edge of Coimbra’s historic center, close to the Mondego River. It is easily accessible by several means:
Coimbra enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm summers and mild winters. Summers from June to September can be hot, with temperatures reaching up to 30°C (86°F), while winters tend to be cooler and wetter with temperatures around 10-15°C (50-59°F). Spring and autumn offer mild, pleasant weather, ideal for outdoor exploration.
The best time to visit the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha is during spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October), when temperatures are comfortable, and rainfall is minimal. Summers can be crowded and hot, while winters might bring rain that could affect outdoor visits.
The Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha is open to visitors year-round, but timings may vary by season:
It is recommended to arrive early in the day to avoid crowds and to have ample time to explore the ruins and exhibition areas. Last entry is usually 30 minutes before closing time.
The Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha is famous for its Gothic architecture and the dramatic history tied to the site. The monastery’s location on the flood-prone banks of the Mondego River meant it was repeatedly submerged, which ultimately led to its abandonment. This unique story of endurance and loss makes it an intriguing historical site.
The ruins reveal much about medieval monastic life and Gothic design, and the site has been a focus of extensive archaeological research since the late 20th century. It is also famous for the discovery of precious art and artifacts buried under centuries of silt and water. The site offers a glimpse into the medieval period and highlights the challenges faced by its inhabitants.
Visitors to the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha can explore both the ruins and the onsite interpretation center that provides context and history. Entry details are as follows:
Founded in 1330 by Queen Elizabeth of Portugal (Saint Elizabeth), the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha was constructed in the Gothic style, which was popular across Europe during that era. The monastery was dedicated to the Order of the Poor Clares, a Franciscan religious order of nuns.
The architecture is characterized by pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses typical of Gothic design. The church and cloisters were designed to be grand and austere, reflecting the spiritual and communal lives of the nuns. Unfortunately, the proximity to the Mondego River made the site vulnerable to flooding.
Floods began to threaten the monastery shortly after its construction and continued for centuries. The water damage eventually forced the community to relocate to the higher grounds of Santa Clara-a-Nova in the 17th century. For a long time, the old monastery was buried under mud and water until archaeological efforts began in the late 20th century to uncover and preserve the ruins.
