The Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Nova, Coimbra

The Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Nova, in Coimbra

The Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Nova is an imposing baroque convent perched on the heights of Coimbra, which shelters the tomb of the holy queen Isabel. The Coimbra audio-guided tour stops here, with respect, to evoke this sanctuary, heir of the old monastery saved from the waters.

The baroque convent of the holy queen

Perched on the heights of the Santa Clara district, the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Nova, the new convent of Saint Clare, was built between 1648 and 1696, in order to replace that of Santa Clara-a-Velha, struck on several occasions by the floods of the Rio Mondego. On the day of the inauguration, a great procession was organised to accompany the religious community of the Poor Clares towards its new place of residence, sheltered from the floods. Much larger than the previous one, but without ostentation, the baroque building stands out by its sobriety and its scale. It shelters the tomb of the holy queen Isabel of Aragon, patron saint of Coimbra, deeply venerated, whose remains were transferred there. From its surroundings, you also enjoy a fine view over the town. A major sanctuary and a place of devotion to the holy queen, the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Nova is discovered with respect.

What to see

You admire, with respect, the imposing baroque convent built between 1648 and 1696 to replace Santa Clara-a-Velha threatened by the waters, sober and ample, which shelters the tomb of the holy queen Isabel of Aragon, patron of Coimbra, and offers a fine view over the town. The Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Nova is a major sanctuary of Coimbra. It is a stop to be discovered with respect.

Practical information

The Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Nova lies on the heights of the Santa Clara district, in Coimbra, reachable on foot by a climb and by public transport. A place of worship and memory, it can be visited with respect; the visit follows its own hours and conditions, which vary. It is best to check them before coming and to respect the sacred character of the place.

Who rests at the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Nova of Coimbra?

The holy queen Isabel of Aragon, patron saint of Coimbra, deeply venerated, whose tomb and remains were transferred to this baroque convent, built between 1648 and 1696 to replace Santa Clara-a-Velha threatened by the floods.