Santa Clara-a-Nova Monastery or Santa Isabel Monastery and tomb of Queen Saint Isabel, cloister and choirs.

Category: Religious Architecture > Monastery

District: Coimbra > Coimbra > Coimbra

Location and Historical Context

- Located in the parish of Santa Clara and Castelo Viegas, in Coimbra.

- Founded in the 17th century as a replacement for the old Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha, due to the Mondego River's floods.

- The Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Nova is also known as the Convent of Queen Saint Isabel.

Cultural and Artistic Significance

- Classified as a National Monument since 1910.

- Contains an important collection of Portuguese art from the 14th to the 18th centuries.

- Houses the relics of Queen Saint Isabel, the founder of the old monastery.

Main Attractions

Mannerist Church

Features a rich decoration in the Mannerist style.

Tomb of Queen Saint Isabel

Silver urn containing the incorrupt body of the queen, located in the lower choir, with wooden panels that narrate her life.

Cloister

Built by the architect Carlos Mardel and financed by D. João V in 1733, it is a significant work of architecture.

History of the Monastery

- Construction of the new convent began in 1649, designed by João Torriano.

- In 1677, the nuns moved to the new building.

- The church was completed and consecrated in 1696.

- After the death of the last nun in 1891, the Brotherhood of Queen Saint Isabel took over ownership of the monastery.

Current Use and Conservation

- In 1911, the Portuguese Army used part of the monastery.

- In 2006, the spaces were returned to the Brotherhood.

- In 2023, a tender was launched for the concession of the building to private individuals, aiming at its rehabilitation and transformation into a five-star hotel.

Relevance to Tourism

- A place of great historical and religious importance in Coimbra.

- The monastery, with its architecture and art, offers a unique experience for visitors.

- Close to the historic center and the University of Coimbra, it can complement the cultural visit to the city.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mosteiro_de_Santa_Clara-a-Nova

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt