Category: Religious Architecture > Monastery
District: Coimbra > Coimbra > Coimbra
The Monastery of Celas is located in the city of Coimbra, in a more secluded and serene area of the urban fabric, which still today invites tranquility. Its position, slightly removed from the bustle of the denser historic center, gives it an atmosphere of peace and contemplation, allowing the visitor an experience of discovery in a calm and engaging environment.
The history of the Monastery of Celas dates back to the 13th century, having been founded in 1221 by D. Sancha, daughter of King Sancho I, to house nuns of the Cistercian Order. Over time, it became one of the most important female convents in Portugal. In the 19th century, with the extinction of religious orders, the monastery saw its original community extinguished and its assets secularized. However, in the 20th century, the space was reoccupied by a new community of Benedictine nuns, who revived its monastic vocation, ensuring the continuity of its spiritual function and the preservation of this remarkable heritage.
The architecture of the Monastery of Celas is a testament to its long existence, presenting a fascinating fusion of styles. Although its origin is Gothic in nature, visible in elements such as the chancel of the church, the complex was enriched by significant interventions during the Renaissance and Baroque periods. The central and most beautiful feature is its Cloister of Silence, a remarkable two-story structure that displays the overlap of different eras, from the Gothic arches on the lower floor to the Renaissance and Baroque elements on the upper floor and in the Samaritan's Fountain. The church, despite having a Gothic low choir, was substantially redesigned in the 16th century, particularly its nave, now displaying an interior that reflects the magnificence of later interventions.
Visiting the Monastery of Celas is to immerse oneself in an atmosphere of deep serenity and introspection. Its spaces, particularly the cloister, invite contemplation and offer a refuge from the daily hustle and bustle. The current presence of Benedictine nuns on the site reiterates its spiritual vocation, giving it a unique authenticity and re-establishing a living link with the monastic past that was lived there. Its historical and artistic importance makes this monastery a place of significant cultural interest, representing a notable chapter in Portuguese architecture and monastic life.
Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mosteiro_de_Celas
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.2153285601834,-8.412086471443546
Coordinates DMS: 40°12'55.2"N 08°24'43.5"W
Weather Coimbra
On-duty Pharmacy Coimbra
