Category: Civil Architecture > Museum
District: Coimbra > Coimbra > Coimbra > Santa Clara
The Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha is located on the left bank of the Mondego River, in the Santa Clara area, Coimbra. Its riverside location profoundly shaped the history of the building over the centuries, being a central element of its identity.
The history of this monastery dates back to the 13th century, with an initial foundation by D. Mor Dias. However, it was at the beginning of the 14th century that it gained great importance with the intervention and patronage of D. Isabel of Aragon, known as Queen Saint Isabel. It was by her will that the monastery was restructured and expanded, becoming a place of great relevance for the Order of the Poor Clares and for the queen herself, who retired here after becoming a widow and expressed the desire to be buried at this site.
The proximity of the Mondego River, although initially advantageous, proved to be a constant challenge. The monastery was affected by successive floods that, over the centuries, caused silting and deterioration of the building. The nuns were forced to raise the ground level several times and, eventually, to build an upper floor to maintain habitability. This difficult coexistence with the waters eventually led to the abandonment of the monastery in the 17th century, when the community moved to a new building constructed on higher ground, which would become known as the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Nova.
After its abandonment, the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha was exposed to the action of time and floods, falling into a state of ruin. However, recent interventions, particularly from the late 20th century onwards, have allowed for the recovery and enhancement of this historic site. An impressive water containment work kept the lower structures dry, enabling the discovery of architectural elements and a vast collection of artifacts that had been submerged for centuries.
Archaeological excavations have brought to light a significant part of the Gothic monastery, including the original floor of the church and remains of the main cloister. These discoveries, along with artifacts from the nuns' daily lives, allowed for a deeper understanding of conventual life and the history of the building. Currently, the site features a modern Interpretation Centre, where visitors can learn about the fascinating history of the monastery, explore the archaeological remains, and comprehend the cultural and symbolic dimension of this monument, intimately linked to the figure of Queen Saint Isabel.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.2027575,-8.4334526
Coordinates DMS: 40°12'9.9"N 08°26'0.4"W
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