Monastery of Santa Clara - a church with a steeple and two towers
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Monastery of Santa Clara

4.5
·50 reviews·Quito, Ecuador

Discover serene cloisters adorned with vibrant tiles and rich religious art, offering a peaceful escape into history.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Avoids crowds and potential closures

CrowdLow
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Monastery of Santa Clara - a church with a steeple and two towers

Monastery of Santa Clara

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Avoids crowds and potential closures

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover serene cloisters adorned with vibrant tiles and rich religious art, offering a peaceful escape into history.

4.5
(50 reviews)

"An unforgettable experience; you learn a lot about Ecuadorian culture. Its facilities are beautiful."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Check Opening Hours

Monastery hours can be unpredictable. Call ahead or check local listings to avoid disappointment.

🚶‍♀️ Guided Tours Essential

Entry is often via guided tour. Be prepared for this to fully experience the site.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Majolica Cloister

Majolica Cloister

Naples, Italy

Vibrant 14th-century cloister adorned with colorful majolica tiles, offering a serene escape.

Religious Art & Domes

Religious Art & Domes

Quito, Ecuador

Discover centuries of religious art and enjoy panoramic views of Quito's historic center from its domes.

Golden Beauty

Golden Beauty

Porto, Portugal

The Igreja de Santa Clara boasts stunning golden interiors, a testament to Portuguese baroque artistry.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

Many visitors report the Monastery of Santa Clara being closed unexpectedly, even during advertised hours. Check local listings and try to visit earlier in the day to avoid disappointment. Some Redditors suggest calling ahead if possible.

Guided Tours Recommended

Access to the monastery is often restricted to guided tours, sometimes via tour bus. Arriving independently might mean you can't enter. Plan for this to make the most of your visit and understand the rich history.

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Avoids crowds and potential closures
Crowd
Low
When
Early Afternoon
Why
Tour groups may have dispersed
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

One bad date away from joining the cloistered nuns 🙃 This is the monastery of Santa Isabel La Real in Granada founded just over 500 years ago by Queen Isabella I of Castile. The nuns here dedicate their lives to religious service within these walls. They do not leave (unless absolutely necessary) but you can interact with them by ordering their baked goods (you can only hear them not see them!) Th...
@byjacklynn
127.6K likes • 1.3M views

🎯 Check Opening Hours

Monastery hours can be unpredictable. Call ahead or check local listings to avoid disappointment. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Guided Tours Essential

Entry is often via guided tour. Be prepared for this to fully experience the site. Reddit

Santa Clara de Asís #santaclara #santaclaradeasis #sanfrancisco #franciscanos #pazybien #clarisas #catolicos #catolicostiktok #cristianos #jesus #santos #cristo #tau #iglesia #fe #mujeres #religion
@davidaguilar7745
12.5K likes • 170.6K views
Step into the peaceful cloisters of Santa Chiara in Naples! Hidden in the heart of the city, this stunning 14th-century monastery is famous for its colorful majolica tiles, serene gardens, and historic charm. A true oasis away from the city’s hustle—let’s explore! ✨🍊 #Naples #Napoli #SantaChiara #ChiostroDiSantaChiara #Cloister #HiddenGem #NapoliBella #VisitNaples #ItalyTravel #DiscoverNaples #His...
@inceptiontravelers
10.7K likes • 198.4K views

🎶 Peaceful Atmosphere

Enjoy the serene cloisters and gardens, a perfect oasis from city bustle. TikTok

🖼️ Rich Religious Art

Admire historical religious art and architecture, especially in Quito. Reddit

📿 Pilgrimage through Porto 🇵🇹✨ From the golden beauty of Igreja de Santa Clara ⛪ to the majesty of Porto Cathedral 🕍 & the tiled wonder of Church of Saint Ildefonso 🎨—God’s presence was everywhere. Grateful for this sacred journey 🙏 #FaithWalk #PortoPilgrimage #PortugalTravel #ChurchTok #CatholicTikTok #ChristianJourney #HolyTrip #ReligiousTravel #PortoPortugal #TravelWithFaith #CathedralViews #Sp...
@xcrusader1099
7.8K likes • 39.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Check Opening Hours

Monastery hours can be unpredictable. Call ahead or check local listings to avoid disappointment. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Guided Tours Essential

Entry is often via guided tour. Be prepared for this to fully experience the site. Reddit

🎶 Peaceful Atmosphere

Enjoy the serene cloisters and gardens, a perfect oasis from city bustle. TikTok

🖼️ Rich Religious Art

Admire historical religious art and architecture, especially in Quito. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(50 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors often praise the Monastery of Santa Clara for its historical significance and beautiful architecture, particularly its vibrant cloisters and religious art. However, many report issues with unpredictable opening hours and access, with some finding it closed even when expected to be open, and noting that guided tours are often mandatory.

"Nice place and history"

CopyrightSafeAudios

"An unforgettable experience; you learn a lot about Ecuadorian culture. Its facilities are beautiful, and its domes allow you to see a large part of Quito's historic center.
If you're planning to visit, I recommend going in a group."

Eri Lara

"The monastery can only be visited with a guide via a tour bus. It's a shame they don't allow visitors who arrive at the gates to enter. The church was closed."

Maripaz Avila

What People Like

Beautiful historical art
Serene cloisters
Panoramic views

What People Dislike

Unpredictable hours
Mandatory guided tours
Unexpected closures

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Monastery of Santa Chiara in Naples is centrally located and accessible by public transport. You can take buses or the metro to nearby stops. Many visitors find it a pleasant walk from other major attractions in the historic center. TikTok

The Monastery of Santa Clara in Quito is situated in the historic center. It's often visited as part of guided tours, which may include transportation. Walking is also an option if you are exploring the colonial area. Reddit

Yes, the Igreja de Santa Clara is located near the Porto Cathedral and the Ribeira district, making it easily accessible on foot for most tourists exploring the city center. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry requirements vary. In Naples, there's typically a fee for the museum and cloister. In Quito, access is often limited to guided tours, which include the entrance fee. Always check current policies before visiting. Reddit

Opening hours can be inconsistent and are frequently reported as being closed unexpectedly. It's highly recommended to verify current hours locally or by calling ahead, as they can change without notice. Reddit

While the cloister and museum areas are often accessible, the church itself may have limited visiting hours or be closed to the public, as reported by some visitors. Reddit

Yes, guided tours are often mandatory, especially in locations like Quito, where access might be exclusively through organized tours, sometimes via bus. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography rules can differ. In Naples, photos are generally allowed in the museum and cloister, but check for any specific restrictions. In other locations, it's best to ask your guide. TikTok

The colorful majolica tiles in the cloister of Naples are a major highlight for photographers. In Quito, the panoramic views from the domes offer excellent photo opportunities. TikTok

🎫 🏛️ History & Culture

Founded in the 14th century, the Monastery of Santa Chiara in Naples is known for its stunning majolica-tiled cloister. In Quito, it's a significant cultural site showcasing religious art from past eras. TikTokReddit

The monastery in Quito offers insights into Ecuadorian culture through its historical religious art and architecture, providing an unforgettable cultural experience. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

For families, the Monastery of Santa Clara in Naples offers a visually engaging experience with its colorful majolica tiles, which can captivate children's attention. TikTok The serene gardens provide a safe space for kids to explore. However, be mindful that access might be restricted to guided tours, which could be less engaging for very young children. In Quito, the historical art and the panoramic views from the domes might be more suited for older children who can appreciate the cultural significance. Reddit Always check if strollers are permitted and if there are any specific family-friendly tour options available.

🏛️ History Buffs

History enthusiasts will find the Monastery of Santa Clara a treasure trove. In Naples, the 14th-century origins and the subsequent Baroque transformations offer a rich historical narrative. TikTok The site in Quito is a significant repository of Ecuadorian religious art and history, providing deep insights into the country's colonial past. Reddit For those interested in Portuguese religious architecture, the Igreja de Santa Clara in Porto showcases exquisite baroque artistry. TikTok Researching the specific history of the monastery you plan to visit beforehand will greatly enhance your appreciation of its cultural and architectural significance.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating Access and Hours

Visiting the Monastery of Santa Clara can sometimes be a challenge due to unpredictable opening hours and access restrictions. Several travelers on Reddit have shared experiences of finding the monastery unexpectedly closed, even on days it was supposed to be open. Reddit It's crucial to verify current operating times before your visit. In some locations, like Quito, access is primarily through guided tours, which may be conducted via tour bus. This means arriving at the gates independently might not grant you entry. Planning to join a tour or confirming tour availability in advance is highly recommended to ensure you can experience the site. Reddit

Social media creators often showcase the beauty of the cloisters and interiors, but it's important to remember that these glimpses might not reflect the full visitor experience, which can be contingent on tour schedules and availability. For instance, the Igreja de Santa Clara in Porto is known for its stunning golden interior, but access to specific parts might be managed. TikTok Always aim for early morning visits on weekdays if possible, as this often leads to fewer crowds and a higher chance of the site being open as advertised.

Architectural and Artistic Highlights

The Monastery of Santa Clara is renowned for its distinct architectural and artistic features, depending on its location. In Naples, the Chiostro di Santa Chiara is a breathtaking 14th-century cloister famous for its vibrant majolica tiles. These colorful ceramic decorations, depicting scenes and patterns, create a serene and visually stunning oasis in the heart of the city. TikTok The surrounding gardens offer a peaceful retreat, making it a popular spot for reflection and photography.

In Quito, Ecuador, the Monastery of Santa Clara is celebrated as a significant cultural site where religious art from past eras stands out. Its domes offer panoramic views of the historic center, providing a unique perspective on the city's colonial architecture. Reddit The artistic heritage preserved within its walls offers a deep dive into the region's history and spiritual traditions. For those visiting Porto, Portugal, the Igreja de Santa Clara is a must-see for its spectacular golden baroque interior, a dazzling display of craftsmanship and devotion. TikTok

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