Mosteiro de Santa Clara-a-Velha
About This Museum
Stepping onto the grounds of Mosteiro de Santa Clara-a-Velha feels like walking into a ghost story, one where the river is the main antagonist. This 14th-century monastery was relentlessly flooded by the Mondego for centuries before being abandoned, its beautiful Gothic arches left to drown. Today, after a massive archaeological rescue, you can wander among the skeletal stone ruins, their lower levels still stained dark by the water that claimed them. The modern visitor center does a brilliant job of setting the scene, displaying recovered treasures and using multimedia to show you what life—and its eventual surrender to the river—was like here.
Collection Highlights
Don't miss the hauntingly beautiful tomb of Queen Saint Isabel, who founded the monastery; it's displayed high and dry in the modern center after being salvaged from the flooded church. The collection of delicate medieval tiles and perfectly preserved nuns' shoes really makes their daily lives feel tangible.
Visitor Information
Wear comfortable shoes because you'll be doing a fair bit of walking on uneven ground between the modern center and the open-air ruins. It's located just a short, scenic walk from Coimbra's city center, making it an essential and unforgettable stop.
Architecture & Building
The site is dominated by the imposing, skeletal ruins of a Gothic monastery, characterized by its soaring pointed arches and vast, empty spaces that were once cloisters and chapels.
Contact & Location
Address: Rua das Parreiras, Santa Clara, Santa Clara e Castelo Viegas, Coimbra, 3040-266, Portugal
Phone: +351 239 801 160
Website: Visit Website
