Church of Saint Clare

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Porto > Vila do Conde > Vila do Conde > Centro Histórico

Location

Situated in the heart of Vila do Conde's Historic Center, the Church of Santa Clara stands in a prominent position, offering a privileged perspective of the town's urban landscape. Its striking presence on the elevation distinguishes it within the village's silhouette.

History and Foundation

The history of the Church of Santa Clara dates back to the 14th century, specifically to 1318, when it was established as part of a female convent through the initiative of D. Afonso Sanches, son of King D. Dinis, and his wife, D. Teresa Martins. This convent played a central role in the religious and social life of Vila do Conde for centuries. Although the building observed today has been largely remodeled over time, particularly in the 18th century, its original Gothic essence endures, marking its evolution through different eras.

Architecture and Artistic Environment

The Church of Santa Clara is a notable example of architectural evolution, blending Gothic, Manueline, Baroque, and Rococo elements. On the exterior, its imposing polygonal apse, reinforced by robust buttresses, and a majestic radiant rose window on the western facade, give it an appearance reminiscent of the solidity of a medieval fortress, with battlements that once served a defensive function and today act as adornment.

Upon entering, the visitor is enveloped by the artistic richness of the interior. The nave ceiling is adorned with elaborate octagonal coffered ceilings, creating a distinct visual effect. In the transept and the upper choir, the woodwork continues to surprise with its beauty and detail, featuring carved choir stalls and a prominent Rococo organ, testaments to the mastery of past artists.

Royal and Noble Tombs

One of the points of greatest interest inside is the Founders' Chapel, dedicated to Nossa Senhora da Conceição. Here lie the Manueline tombs of D. Afonso Sanches and D. Teresa Martins, richly sculpted in Ançã limestone. Their sepulchral chests display detailed biblical scenes, while the recumbent figures of the founders offer an authentic glimpse into the funerary art of the period. In the transept, there are also other sepulchral chests of important historical figures linked to the family, such as D. Brites Pereira, daughter of the legendary Nuno Álvares Pereira, and D. Fernando de Meneses with his wife, D. Brites de Andrade.

An Enveloping Legend

The history of the former convent, and by extension the church, is enriched by a captivating local legend: that of Abbess Berengária. It is told that, due to her humility and dedication, she was elected abbess by the nuns in a somewhat informal manner. Faced with her election, and the initial reluctance of the sisters to accept her authority, the new abbess ordered her predecessors to rise from their graves to pay her homage. This narrative, though legendary, emphasizes values such as obedience and zeal, and is evoked in ancient paintings within the church.

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