Church of Saint Clare

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Porto > Porto > Porto > Batalha

Location

The Church of Santa Clara is located in the civil parish of Sé, in the historic heart of Porto. Its position is privileged, standing next to one of the best-preserved sections of the ancient Fernandine Walls, which once defended the city. Access to the temple is gained through an atrium, lending a sense of passage into a space of profound history and art.

A Golden Legacy

The interior of the Church of Santa Clara reveals a remarkable artistic emphasis, dominated by the art of gilded woodcarving. This is considered one of the highest expressions of Joanine Baroque in Portugal, with its exuberant decoration almost entirely covering the walls of the nave and chancel. The richness of details and the profusion of gold create a grand and immersive atmosphere, transporting visitors to the splendor of the 18th century. Every corner seems to narrate a story through the carvings and the light reflected by the gold.

History and Architecture

The history of the Church of Santa Clara dates back to the 15th century, with its construction beginning around 1416 and being completed in 1457. Originally, it was part of a female monastery of the Order of the Poor Clares, which was transferred to this location. Over the centuries, the building underwent significant adaptations, especially in the 18th century, when it was enriched with the woodcarving we admire today. The main entrance, for example, is a beautiful example of Baroque, dating from 1697 and later reformulated, exhibiting Renaissance elements such as Solomonic columns and Corinthian capitals. Near the door, a Gothic baptismal font of particular interest can also be observed.

Discoveries and Restoration

Between 2016 and 2021, the Church of Santa Clara underwent a meticulous conservation and restoration process. This intervention not only allowed for the recovery of the building's structure and its vast artistic heritage, which includes polychrome woodcarving, sculptures, mural paintings, and stone and metal elements, but also brought to light unknown details. Seventeenth-century wooden paintings were revealed, some depicting Santa Clara herself, as well as a granite slab from 1645. Interestingly, beneath the layers of gilded woodcarving, older paintings of winged angels were discovered, offering a unique perspective on the different decorative phases of the temple throughout the centuries.

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