Church of Santa Clara (Porto)

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Porto > Porto > Porto > Batalha

Location

The Church of Santa Clara is located in the parish of Sé, in Porto, next to the old Fernandine Walls, a point of historical interest.

Origin and Construction

Built in 1457 at the request of the Poor Clare nuns, who came from an old 13th-century monastery. It was part of a complex with the monastery, which over the centuries received nuns from other extinct monasteries.

Gilded Wood Carving

Inside, the impressive gilded wood carving of the Joanine Baroque style stands out, considered one of the best works of this kind in Portugal, covering a large part of the church.

Main Entrance

The entrance is through a Baroque door from 1697, reformulated in the 18th century, with columns and decorative details of Renaissance inspiration.

Degradation and Restoration

After the extinction of the monastery at the end of the 19th century, the building suffered some degradation. Between 2016 and 2021, it underwent a major restoration, which involved the recovery of the structure, the modernization of infrastructure, and the conservation of artistic elements.

Discoveries During the Restoration

The restoration revealed hidden paintings and other historical details, such as a tombstone from 1645 and representations of saints and angels, previously unknown.

Visitation

With the restoration works, better visiting conditions were created, allowing tourists to appreciate the artistic and historical splendor of the church.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Igreja_de_Santa_Clara_(Porto)

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