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Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Nova

4.4

·2k reviews·Coimbra, Portugal

A 17th-century Baroque gem, this monastery offers a peaceful escape with stunning art and royal tombs, a testament to Coimbra's enduring history.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peace

CrowdLow

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Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Nova

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peace

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A 17th-century Baroque gem, this monastery offers a peaceful escape with stunning art and royal tombs, a testament to Coimbra's enduring history.

4.4

(2k reviews)

"A beautiful place to visit, and a great personal guided tour of the monastery!"

TIP

⏳ Allow 20-25 Minutes

Most visitors find 20-25 minutes sufficient to explore the monastery and its highlights. :stopwatch:

🚗 Parking Available

Convenient parking is available on-site for visitors arriving by car. 🚗

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.4 · 2,452 reviews

Type

Place of Worship

Address

Calçada Santa Isabel, 3040-270 Coimbra, Portugal

Website

rainhasantaisabel.org

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Baroque Art & Architecture

Marvel at the intricate Baroque art and elegant architecture that define this well-preserved monastery.

Elegant Cloisters

Wander through the peaceful cloisters, experiencing a profound sense of calm and reflection.

Royal Tombs

See the Gothic tombs of Queen Elizabeth and other royal princesses, a testament to the monastery's historical significance.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for Tranquility

While the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Nova is generally less crowded than its older counterpart, visiting during weekdays can offer a more serene experience. Early mornings or late afternoons provide a peaceful atmosphere to appreciate the Baroque art and cloisters.

Understanding the Monastery's History

This 17th-century monastery was built to escape the frequent floods that plagued the original 14th-century structure. Understanding this context enhances the appreciation for its well-preserved state and the transfer of royal tombs.

Best Times

When

Weekday mornings

Why

Fewer crowds, more peace

Crowd

Low

When

Late afternoons

Why

Golden hour light

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

⏳ Allow 20-25 Minutes

Most visitors find 20-25 minutes sufficient to explore the monastery and its highlights. :stopwatch:

🚗 Parking Available

Convenient parking is available on-site for visitors arriving by car. 🚗

The Santa Clara Nova (new) monastery was built on a hilltop in 1696 to replace the old monastery that was previously built lower down the valley near the river, and was destroyed by flooding. It wasn’t recreated in the Gothic architecture of the original, but instead followed the baroque style of the time. Outside the monastery there is a statue dedicated to Queen Isabella of Portugal who was ...

lynnecoatesphoto

57 likes • 365 views

Behind the scenes! Installation of 🪞THE INFINITY MACHINE, 2015 at the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Nova in Coimbra, Portugal. This artwork is one of over a dozen installations in Cardiff Miller’s exhibition, ‘The Factory of Shadows’, curated by the Círculo de Artes Plásticas de Coimbra (Círculo). #cardiffmiller #janetcardiffandgeorgeburesmiller

cardiffmillerartwarehouse

109 likes • 2.2K views

🎟️ Entrance Fee Supports Renovation

Your paid entrance contributes directly to the ongoing renovation of this beautiful historical site. :moneybag:

🕊️ Experience True Peace

The cloister offers a real sense of peace, making it a highlight for many visitors. :dove:

Com um convite destes, como não aparecer no Mosteiro de Santa Clara-a-Nova para ouvir e conversar com o Coro das Mulheres da Fábrica? Sexta-feira, 27 de junho, 18h00. — With an invitation like this, how could you not turn up at the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Nova to listen to and chat to the Coro das Mulheres da Fábrica? Friday 27 June, 6 pm #AFabricaDasSombras #thefactoryofshadows #Biena...

anozerocoimbra

177 likes • 4.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

⏳ Allow 20-25 Minutes

Most visitors find 20-25 minutes sufficient to explore the monastery and its highlights. :stopwatch:

🚗 Parking Available

Convenient parking is available on-site for visitors arriving by car. 🚗

🎟️ Entrance Fee Supports Renovation

Your paid entrance contributes directly to the ongoing renovation of this beautiful historical site. :moneybag:

🕊️ Experience True Peace

The cloister offers a real sense of peace, making it a highlight for many visitors. :dove:

What Travellers Say

4.4

(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Nova to be a beautiful and well-preserved site, offering a peaceful retreat with stunning Baroque art and elegant cloisters. Many appreciate its historical significance, particularly the royal tombs, and note that the entrance fee supports its upkeep. It's considered a worthwhile, albeit brief, visit.

"The Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Nova is a stunning contrast to its older counterpart. Bright, well-preserved, and filled with beautiful Baroque art, it offers a peaceful retreat. Exploring its elegant cloisters and intricate chapels, I felt a deep connection to Coimbra’s rich religious history."

Esrf G

"Great part of Portugal history in a best place. If you're catholic as well."

ej as

"Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Nova

Type: Monastery
Time spent: 20-25 min
Parking: available
Bike parking: not available
Entrance: paid
WC: available

The Monastery of Santa Clara of Coimbra was founded in the early 14th century near the river Mondego by Queen Elizabeth of Portugal, wife of King Dinis I.

Through the centuries, the church and monastic buildings were repeatedly flooded by the Mondego. In the 17th century, under the rule of King John IV, it was decided that a new monastery was to be built for the religious community. Construction works began in 1649, and the church was finished by 1696. All nuns as well as the Gothic tombs of Queen Elizabeth and other royal princesses were transferred to the new monastery, therefore called "Santa Clara-a-Nova"."

Oleh Shpytko

What People Like

Beautiful Baroque art

Peaceful cloisters

Historical significance

What People Dislike

Short visit duration

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Nova is accessible by car, with parking available on-site. Public transport options may require further research depending on your starting point in Coimbra. 🚌

Yes, parking is available at the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Nova, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car. 🚗

Bike parking is not available at the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Nova, so it's best to consider other transport if cycling. 🚲

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Yes, there is a paid entrance fee for the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Nova. Visitors note that this fee contributes to the renovation efforts. 🎟️

Opening hours can vary, so it's recommended to check the official website or local listings before your visit. 🕐

Most visitors spend around 20-25 minutes exploring the monastery, taking in its art and peaceful atmosphere. :stopwatch:

Absolutely! The monastery is a significant historical and architectural site, appreciated by visitors of all backgrounds for its beauty and history. :world_map:

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Many visitors highlight the elegant cloisters for their sense of peace and the beautiful Baroque art and architecture throughout the monastery. ✨

Yes, restroom facilities (WC) are available for visitors at the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Nova. 🚽

Built in the 17th century to escape river floods, it houses the Gothic tombs of Queen Elizabeth and other royal princesses, preserving a crucial part of Portugal's history. 📜

Yes, with an average visit time of 20-25 minutes, it's an ideal stop for those looking for a meaningful yet brief cultural experience. :fast_forward:

📸 📸 Photography

Photography policies can vary. It's advisable to check for any signage or ask staff upon arrival to ensure you're respecting the rules. 📷

The cloisters often provide beautiful light and architectural backdrops. The intricate details of the Baroque art also make for stunning shots. :iphone: