Church of St. Clare - Ballyscullion Church of Ireland at Bellaghy, Northern Ireland
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Church of St. Clare

4.9
·47 reviews·Kotor, Montenegro

A serene 17th-century Catholic church featuring ornate altars and a unique wooden ceiling, offering a peaceful escape.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Escape the busy streets

CrowdLow
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Church of St. Clare - Ballyscullion Church of Ireland at Bellaghy, Northern Ireland

Church of St. Clare

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Escape the busy streets

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene 17th-century Catholic church featuring ornate altars and a unique wooden ceiling, offering a peaceful escape.

4.9
(47 reviews)

"Visiting here feels like an escape from the busy streets outside."

Vertical photo
TIP

🕯️ Light a Candle

Offer a prayer by lighting a candle for a small donation.

🤫 Be Mindful of Photos

Photography is often prohibited; respect the sanctity of the space.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ornate Altars

Ornate Altars

Main Nave

Five magnificent altars adorned with intricate stone carvings and captivating paintings or crucifixes.

Latticed Wooden Ceiling

Latticed Wooden Ceiling

Above the Nave

A unique and beautiful latticed wooden ceiling that adds to the church's architectural charm.

San Damiano Cross Connection

San Damiano Cross Connection

Near the entrance

A reminder of St. Clare's contemplative life and her connection to the San Damiano Cross.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit

The Church of St. Clare is a peaceful sanctuary. Consider visiting during weekdays to avoid crowds, especially if you're seeking a quiet, contemplative experience away from the busy streets. Reddit

Respectful Exploration

While photography is often tempting, remember this is a place of worship. Be mindful of others and the sanctity of the space. Some visitors note that photos are prohibited, though not always adhered to. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Escape the busy streets
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Quieter contemplation
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

St Clare and the Call to a Contemplative Life Today we stood outside the church where St Clare rests. Her life is a shining reminder of the beauty of the contemplative vocation: a life wholly given to prayer, simplicity, and love for Christ. Here in Assisi, we are also reminded of the San Damiano Cross, through which Christ spoke to Francis, saying: “Rebuild my Church.” That same invitation echo...
holyfamilychristchurch
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🕯️ Light a Candle

Offer a prayer by lighting a candle for a small donation. Reddit

🤫 Be Mindful of Photos

Photography is often prohibited; respect the sanctity of the space. Reddit

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Travelling to Kotor

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Recommendations around Bay of Kotor?

🚶‍♀️ Escape the Crowds

Visit during weekdays for a more peaceful experience. Reddit

🙏 Contemplative Vocation

Reflect on St. Clare's life of prayer and simplicity. TikTok

Tips

from all over the internet

🕯️ Light a Candle

Offer a prayer by lighting a candle for a small donation. Reddit

🤫 Be Mindful of Photos

Photography is often prohibited; respect the sanctity of the space. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Escape the Crowds

Visit during weekdays for a more peaceful experience. Reddit

🙏 Contemplative Vocation

Reflect on St. Clare's life of prayer and simplicity. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.9
(47 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Church of St. Clare to be a beautiful and peaceful sanctuary, particularly appreciating its ornate altars and unique wooden ceiling. While some note photography restrictions, many value the free entry and the opportunity for quiet contemplation away from busy streets. Reddit

"Small 17th century Catholic church built on the site of a former Benedictine monastery.
Whilst plain from the outside the church contains five magnificent altars each surrounded by ornate stone carvings and containing a painting or crucifix. Above the Nave is a latticed wooden ceiling. Visiting here feels like an escape from the busy streets outside."

Miles Macdonald

"Beautiful Catholic church. Most probably every walking tour comes here. You can hear many different stories about St. Clare and St. Anthony."

Jolita

"This church is simple and yet beautiful. It also has no entrance fees. You can light a candle on their altar inside for 0.50 Euro each candle. There is a donation box by the entrance. Taking of pictures and videos are prohibited and yet people are still taking videos and pictures just like me. At least I share these pictures and videos for free. Anyway, it is Saint Claire's Church so it is kinda less holy for me. I go to church for Jesus only, remove Jesus and I wont go in it."

jon zapanta

What People Like

Ornate altars
Wooden ceiling
Free entry

What People Dislike

Photography restrictions

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Church of St. Clare is often visited as part of walking tours in the area, making it easily accessible on foot if you're exploring the city center. It's located near St. Nikola church. Reddit

Yes, it's situated near St. Nikola church, making it convenient to combine visits to both. Reddit

While you can drive to the general area, parking might be challenging in the city center. It's often best explored on foot. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there is no entrance fee to visit the Church of St. Clare, making it an accessible attraction for all visitors. Reddit

Specific opening hours can vary, but it's generally open during daylight hours. It's advisable to check locally or during your visit for the most accurate times. Reddit

Photography is often prohibited inside the church out of respect for the sacred space. While some visitors may still take pictures, it's best to adhere to the rules. Reddit

As a place of worship, it's recommended to dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees out of respect for the religious nature of the site. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The church is known for its five magnificent altars with ornate stone carvings and beautiful paintings, as well as its unique latticed wooden ceiling. It's also a place to reflect on St. Clare's contemplative life. TikTokReddit

Inside, you'll find five ornate altars, each with a painting or crucifix, and a distinctive latticed wooden ceiling above the nave. Reddit

Yes, it is a Catholic church and part of an 18th-century Franciscan monastery, built on the site of an earlier Benedictine nunnery. Reddit

There is a donation box by the entrance, and you can also light a candle for a small fee to support the church. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Generally, photography and videography are prohibited inside the Church of St. Clare to maintain a respectful atmosphere. Reddit

While interior photography is restricted, the exterior of the church offers a glimpse into its historical architecture. Focus on capturing the ambiance of the surrounding streets. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Church of St. Clare offers a quiet space for families to introduce children to religious history and art. While photography is restricted, the ornate altars and unique wooden ceiling can capture a child's imagination. Consider discussing the stories of St. Clare and St. Anthony to make the visit more engaging. Reddit

As there's no entrance fee, it's an accessible stop for families. The peaceful atmosphere can be a welcome respite from more active sightseeing. Remember to encourage respectful behavior and quiet voices to maintain the sanctity of the place. Reddit

🙏 Spiritual Seekers

For those on a spiritual journey, the Church of St. Clare is a place to connect with the legacy of St. Clare and her contemplative life. The church's serene ambiance, ornate altars, and historical significance provide a conducive environment for prayer and reflection. TikTokReddit

Consider lighting a candle as a personal offering or simply taking time to absorb the peaceful atmosphere. The church's location, often part of walking tours, makes it an easy addition to a day focused on spiritual exploration and historical sites. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Legacy of St. Clare

The Church of St. Clare is intrinsically linked to the life and legacy of Saint Clare of Assisi, a follower of St. Francis. Her life was dedicated to a contemplative vocation, characterized by prayer, simplicity, and profound love for Christ. Visiting this church offers a moment to reflect on her spiritual journey and the enduring impact of her devotion. TikTok

This 17th-century church stands on the site of an earlier Benedictine monastery, highlighting the long history of religious devotion in this location. The church itself, while perhaps plain from the outside, holds significant artistic and spiritual treasures within, inviting visitors to connect with a rich past. Reddit

Many visitors find the church to be a peaceful escape from the bustling city streets, offering a space for quiet reflection and appreciation of religious art and architecture. It's a place where the stories of saints like Clare and Anthony are often shared, adding layers of historical and spiritual context to the visit. Reddit

Architectural and Artistic Features

The interior of the Church of St. Clare is notable for its five magnificent altars. Each altar is a work of art in itself, surrounded by ornate stone carvings and housing either a painting or a crucifix. These detailed carvings and artistic representations contribute significantly to the church's aesthetic appeal and spiritual atmosphere. Reddit

Above the nave, visitors will find a striking latticed wooden ceiling. This unique architectural element adds a distinct character to the space, differentiating it from more common ceiling designs. The combination of the altars and the ceiling creates a visually engaging environment that many find beautiful and serene. Reddit

While the church is part of an 18th-century Franciscan monastery, its foundation on an earlier Benedictine site adds historical depth. The overall impression is one of simple yet profound beauty, offering a tranquil experience for those who step inside. Reddit

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