Museu de Aveiro Santa Joana - Shadow work on the balcony at Quinta do Portal, designed by Siza Vieira.
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Museu de Aveiro Santa Joana

4.6
·3k reviews·Aveiro, Portugal

A 15th-century convent housing stunning Baroque art, sacred treasures, and the tomb of Princess Saint Joana.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

First Sunday of the month

Free admission!

CrowdMedium
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Museu de Aveiro Santa Joana - Shadow work on the balcony at Quinta do Portal, designed by Siza Vieira.

Museu de Aveiro Santa Joana

Best Time

First Sunday of the month

Free admission!

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A 15th-century convent housing stunning Baroque art, sacred treasures, and the tomb of Princess Saint Joana.

4.6
(3k reviews)

"A true cultural gem with breathtaking art and an inspiring story, especially affordable on free admission days."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ Combined Ticket Value

Get more for your money with a combined ticket for the museum and Igreja das Carmelitas.

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Convent

Wander through the former Dominican convent, reflecting on the lives of the nuns.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Tomb of Princess Saint Joana

Tomb of Princess Saint Joana

Main Chapel

Marvel at the exquisite marble craftsmanship of the tomb, a masterpiece by João Antunes, dedicated to Princess Saint Joana.

Reddit
Baroque Church of Jesus

Baroque Church of Jesus

Within the Museum

Step into one of Portugal's most beautiful and ornate churches, a 15th-century gem within the former convent.

Instagram
Sacred Art Collections

Sacred Art Collections

Various Galleries

Explore a rich collection of religious artifacts and sacred art, reflecting centuries of devotion and artistic expression.

Reddit
Intricate Azulejo Tilework

Intricate Azulejo Tilework

Throughout the Museum

Admire the breathtaking detail of traditional Portuguese azulejo tiles adorning the walls and floors, showcasing stunning artistry.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Combine Your Visit

Consider a combined ticket for the Museu de Aveiro Santa Joana and the Igreja das Carmelitas for a comprehensive cultural experience. This often includes an informative kit and audioguide, enhancing your understanding of the historical and religious significance of these sites. Instagram

Free Admission Days

Take advantage of free admission on the first Sunday of each month. This makes exploring the rich Baroque art, sacred artifacts, and the tomb of Princess Saint Joana even more accessible. Reddit

Best Times

When
First Sunday of the month
Why
Free admission!
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
Good for families and groups
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Bilhete Museu de Aveiro Santa Joana + Igreja das Carmelitas (Ingresso simultâneo no Museu de Aveiro Santa Joana e na Igreja das Carmelitas, de forma individual ou em grupo, sem guia presencial + Kit informativo + Audioguia) 0-5 anos- Gratuito 6-24 anos- 1,75€ 25-64 anos -7,00€ +65anos -3,50€ . . . #europa #portugal #portugal🇵🇹 #aveiro #aveiroportugal #ovosmoles #doce #museu #porto #lisboa
cruvinelmah
107 likes • 2.7K views

🎟️ Combined Ticket Value

Get more for your money with a combined ticket for the museum and Igreja das Carmelitas. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Convent

Wander through the former Dominican convent, reflecting on the lives of the nuns. Instagram

Faça como a Joana, visite o Museu e venha explorar connosco o melhor da herança cultural de Aveiro. Descubra o Museu de Aveiro / Santa Joana e não perca esta oportunidade única de se encantar com a história da nossa padroeira. #municípiodeaveiro #aveiro #museusdeaveiro
museusdeaveiro
16 likes • 1.5K views
📍Igreja de Jesus - Museu Santa Joana, Aveiro As igrejas portuguesas impressionam. Esta em especial, considero uma das mais bonitas e ornamentadas, parada obrigatória MESMO. A Igreja de Jesus, do século XV, está localizada dentro do Mosteiro de Jesus, atual Museu Santa Joana de Aveiro. Ou seja: só os visitantes do Museu podem visitá-la. Suas paredes são cobertas com talha dourada que remetem ao...
elaprecisaviajar
116 likes • 1.8K views

🎧 Use the Audioguide

Enhance your visit with an audioguide for deeper insights into the exhibits. Instagram

🅿️ Parking Patience

Parking can be tricky in this popular area; allow extra time to find a spot. Reddit

Life is a ... Cabaret Inauguração 10/9, 4a feira ás 18.30 Galeria da Pedra, Museu de Aveiro| Santa Joana
galeria.pedricosa.aveiro
5 likes • 309 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Combined Ticket Value

Get more for your money with a combined ticket for the museum and Igreja das Carmelitas. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Convent

Wander through the former Dominican convent, reflecting on the lives of the nuns. Instagram

🎧 Use the Audioguide

Enhance your visit with an audioguide for deeper insights into the exhibits. Instagram

🅿️ Parking Patience

Parking can be tricky in this popular area; allow extra time to find a spot. Reddit

✨ Free First Sundays

Plan your visit for the first Sunday of the month for free entry! Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Museu de Aveiro Santa Joana as a cultural gem, highlighting its stunning Baroque chapels, sacred art, and the inspiring story of Princess Saint Joana. The affordability, especially the free first Sunday of the month, and the friendly, knowledgeable staff are frequently mentioned positives. Some note that parking can be a minor challenge in the popular area.

"The Aveiro Museum, set in the former Convent of Jesus, is a true cultural gem. Its stunning Baroque chapels and sacred art collections are breathtaking, and learning about Princess Saint Joana is inspiring. Even better, admission is free on the first Sunday of each month — a perfect chance to explore!"

Esrf G

"Originally founded in 1461 as the Convent of Jesus (Convento de Jesus), this building was later transformed in the 16th to 18th centuries with Baroque-style renovations. Since 1911, it has served as a museum. Today, it is an important cultural site where visitors can admire Baroque art, the tomb of Princess Saint Joana, intricate azulejo tilework, and architectural details of historical significance. It is particularly meaningful for those interested in art, architecture, and religious history. A highlight is the tomb of Santa Joana, designed by João Antunes, which showcases masterful marble craftsmanship.
※ Included in Aveiro Museum Pass."

Seokjin Ham

"It is a surprising voluminous museum of princess Santa Joana. The rich collection of religious artifacts is a feast to the faithful. Even though I don't subscribe to Catholic teaching, the life of Princess Santa Joana must have been a story of devotion that moved and loved by many."

Roger Mak

What People Like

Beautiful Baroque art
Inspiring story of Saint Joana
Affordable admission

What People Dislike

Parking challenges

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The museum is centrally located in Aveiro, making it easily accessible on foot from many parts of the city. If driving, be aware that parking can be challenging in this popular area, so allow extra time to find a spot. Reddit

Aveiro has a good public transport network, and buses frequently stop near the city center, which is a short walk from the museum. Check local bus routes for the most convenient options. Instagram

Yes, the Museu de Aveiro Santa Joana is a pleasant walk from the Aveiro train station, typically taking around 15-20 minutes. It's a good way to see more of the city. Instagram

While the historic nature of the building may present some challenges, many areas of the museum are accessible. It's advisable to contact the museum directly for specific accessibility information. Instagram

If you're already exploring Aveiro, walking is often the most enjoyable way to reach the museum, allowing you to soak in the city's atmosphere. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Standard admission for adults is €7.00, with reduced rates for seniors (€3.50) and young people aged 6-24 (€1.75). Children under 5 enter for free. Instagram

Yes, admission is free on the first Sunday of each month. This is a great opportunity to visit if you're on a budget. Reddit

While online booking options may vary, you can typically purchase tickets at the museum's entrance. A combined ticket with the Igreja das Carmelitas is also available. Instagram

Opening hours can vary seasonally and for special events. It's recommended to check the official museum website or social media for the most up-to-date information before your visit. Instagram

Yes, the museum is often included in an 'Aveiro Museum Pass,' which can offer good value if you plan to visit multiple cultural sites in Aveiro. Reddit

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

Key highlights include the tomb of Princess Saint Joana, the ornate Baroque Church of Jesus, extensive sacred art collections, and beautiful azulejo tilework. InstagramReddit+1

Most visitors spend around 1.5 to 2 hours exploring the museum to fully appreciate its collections and historical significance. Instagram

The museum itself does not typically have a cafe or restaurant. However, there are numerous dining options available in the surrounding area of Aveiro. Instagram

Photography is generally permitted for personal use, but flash photography is usually prohibited to protect the artifacts. Always check for specific signage within the museum. Instagram

The museum is housed in the former Convent of Jesus, founded in 1458, which was home to Princess Saint Joana. It reflects centuries of Dominican life and architectural evolution. Instagram+1

📸 📸 Photography

The Baroque Church of Jesus, with its ornate details, and the intricately tiled cloisters are particularly photogenic. Don't miss the stunning azulejo panels. Instagram+1

Yes, photography for personal use is generally allowed, but it's important to avoid using flash to preserve the delicate artworks and artifacts. Instagram

Visitors often capture architectural details, religious art, and the serene atmosphere of the former convent. The azulejo tilework is a frequent subject. Instagram

The main restriction is usually on flash photography. Some specific exhibits might also have temporary photography bans, so always look for posted signs. Instagram

Tripods are typically not allowed in museums to avoid obstructing other visitors and to prevent accidental damage. It's best to rely on handheld shots. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Museu de Aveiro Santa Joana can be an engaging visit for families, especially if framed as a story about a princess who lived long ago. The beautiful church and the intricate tilework can capture children's imaginations. Instagram Consider using the audioguide to make the historical context more accessible and interesting for younger visitors. Instagram

While the museum focuses on religious art, the sheer beauty of the architecture and the stories of historical figures can be captivating. It's a good opportunity to introduce children to Portuguese history and art in a less overwhelming setting than larger, more crowded museums. Instagram

⛪ Religious & History Enthusiasts

This museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in religious art, Baroque architecture, and Portuguese history. The life and legacy of Princess Saint Joana are central to the collection, offering profound insights into her devotion and influence. InstagramReddit

Explore the stunning Baroque church, admire the masterful tomb of Saint Joana, and delve into the rich sacred art collections. The historical context of the former convent adds another layer of depth to the experience. Instagram+1

💰 Budget Travelers

The free admission on the first Sunday of each month makes this museum incredibly budget-friendly. Reddit Even outside of these days, the admission price is very reasonable, especially if you opt for the combined ticket with the Igreja das Carmelitas. Instagram

This offers a significant cultural experience without a high cost, allowing you to appreciate intricate art, historical architecture, and a compelling story of faith. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Legacy of Princess Saint Joana

The Museu de Aveiro Santa Joana is intrinsically linked to the life of Princess Saint Joana of Portugal (1452-1490). As the daughter of King Afonso V, she chose a life of religious devotion over royal marriage, entering the Dominican convent in Aveiro. Her presence transformed the convent into a significant spiritual center. The museum showcases artifacts related to her life, emphasizing her piety and dedication to the poor. Instagram

Her tomb, a masterpiece of Baroque art by João Antunes, is a central attraction. It's a testament to her revered status and the artistic achievements of the era. Visitors often find her story inspiring, highlighting a different path of influence beyond political power. Reddit

Exploring the museum offers a unique glimpse into the life of a Portuguese princess who became a saint, providing a rich historical and spiritual narrative that resonates with many visitors interested in religious history and Portuguese royalty. Instagram

Architectural Marvels and Artistic Treasures

Housed within the former Convent of Jesus, the museum is a testament to centuries of architectural evolution. Originally a 15th-century convent, it underwent significant Baroque renovations between the 16th and 18th centuries. This blend of styles is evident throughout the building, offering a fascinating study for architecture enthusiasts. Instagram

The museum boasts an impressive collection of sacred art, including paintings, sculptures, and religious vestments. The Baroque Church of Jesus, located within the museum complex, is particularly renowned for its opulent decoration and is considered one of the most beautiful churches in Portugal. Instagram

A standout feature is the extensive use of azulejo tiles, which adorn many of the walls and floors with intricate patterns and narrative scenes. These tiles are a quintessential element of Portuguese art and architecture, and the museum showcases them in spectacular fashion. Instagram The combination of these elements makes the Museu de Aveiro Santa Joana a visual feast. Reddit

Visiting with a Combined Ticket

For a more complete cultural immersion, consider purchasing a combined ticket that includes access to both the Museu de Aveiro Santa Joana and the Igreja das Carmelitas. This option is often highlighted by visitors as a great value, providing entry to two significant historical and religious sites in Aveiro. Instagram

This combined ticket typically includes an informative kit and an audioguide, which significantly enhances the visitor experience. The audioguide offers detailed explanations of the art, history, and religious significance of the exhibits, allowing you to explore at your own pace while gaining deeper insights. Instagram

This approach is particularly recommended for those interested in understanding the broader religious and artistic heritage of Aveiro. It streamlines the visit, ensuring you don't miss out on key attractions and providing a richer, more educational experience. Instagram

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