Monasterio de Santa Clara - Image 1
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Monasterio de Santa Clara

4.6
·47 reviews·Úbeda, Spain

A cloistered convent in Úbeda renowned for its exquisite homemade sweets and beautiful historical architecture.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning

Serene atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Monasterio de Santa Clara - Image 1

Monasterio de Santa Clara

Best Time

Morning

Serene atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A cloistered convent in Úbeda renowned for its exquisite homemade sweets and beautiful historical architecture.

4.6
(47 reviews)

"Extraordinary sweets and a beautiful building, a wonderful experience!"

Vertical photo
TIP

😋 Buy the Divine Sweets

Don't miss the homemade pastries! They're a highlight and a delicious souvenir. Try the sponge cake!

🅿️ Free Parking Nearby

There's a convenient free municipal parking lot just across the street from the monastery.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Convent Sweets

Convent Sweets

Turnstile/Sales Window

Indulge in heavenly homemade pastries like sponge cake and orange-flavored treats, a temptation difficult to resist.

Monastery Architecture

Monastery Architecture

Exterior and Interior

Admire the beautiful facade and delightful building, a serene sanctuary with a rich history.

Historical Significance

Historical Significance

Throughout the Monastery

Learn about its past, including a stay by Isabella the Catholic, a pivotal figure in Spanish history.

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Planning Your Visit

Sweet Treats & Sacred Spaces

Discover the Monasterio de Santa Clara, a cloistered convent famous for its divine sweets. While the building is beautiful, the real draw for many is purchasing traditional pastries directly from the nuns. Plan for a quick visit focused on this unique culinary experience.

Timing Your Visit

The monastery is open to visitors, but its primary function remains a cloistered convent. Check local listings for specific visiting hours, as these can vary. Arriving earlier in the day might offer a more serene experience before any potential crowds gather for the sweets.

Best Times

When
Morning
Why
Serene atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Sweetest selection
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

this is my new room. #monastery #monkcore #ethelcain
@zalevajka
384.8K likes • 1.9M views

😋 Buy the Divine Sweets

Don't miss the homemade pastries! They're a highlight and a delicious souvenir. Try the sponge cake! Reddit

🅿️ Free Parking Nearby

There's a convenient free municipal parking lot just across the street from the monastery. Reddit

We have six chapel services a day, and Jennie the Convent dog is so devout she attends them all. (Unless she is otherwise occupied by napping on her chair.) #convent #episcopal #anglican #nuntok #nuntokisthebest #genx #dogtok #conventdog #episcopup #realnun #prayer #monasticlife
@nunsenseforthepeople
281.6K likes • 1.5M views
Hoy al finalizar la misa en el Monasterio de Santa Clara, en Moreno, tuvimos el agrado de escuchar al P. Raúl Canalí (un músico de reconocimiento latinoamericano). Está canción dedicada a Mamá Antula la hizo hace muchos años, cuando aún no era muy difundida su devoción. Hoy, teniendo tan cerquita el día de su canonización (11/2/2024), la comparte e invita a difundir nuestra primera santa argentina...
ileanmel
8 likes • 139 views

🚶‍♀️ Explore Old Town

Combine your visit with a walking tour of Úbeda's World Heritage old town. Reddit

📸 Admire the Facade

The building's exterior is quite beautiful and worth appreciating before you go inside. Reddit

El Monasterio de Santa Clara de Palencia, fundado hacia 1230 bajo el reinado de Fernando III, es uno de los conjuntos franciscanos más antiguos de Castilla. Las monjas clarisas viven en clausura desde hace siglos, dedicadas a la oración y a la elaboración de dulces. Su iglesia gótica-mudéjar y su claustro guardan el silencio y la belleza de la fe medieval. #Palencia #HistoriaDePalencia #SantaClar...
marioopazo_
3.1K likes • 28.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

😋 Buy the Divine Sweets

Don't miss the homemade pastries! They're a highlight and a delicious souvenir. Try the sponge cake! Reddit

🅿️ Free Parking Nearby

There's a convenient free municipal parking lot just across the street from the monastery. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore Old Town

Combine your visit with a walking tour of Úbeda's World Heritage old town. Reddit

📸 Admire the Facade

The building's exterior is quite beautiful and worth appreciating before you go inside. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(47 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the Monasterio de Santa Clara, particularly for its divine homemade sweets, which are a must-try culinary experience. The beautiful architecture and historical significance, including a connection to Isabella the Catholic, also add to its charm. While primarily known for its pastries, the serene atmosphere of this cloistered convent is appreciated.

"In March 2025, we took a walking tour through the old town of the World Heritage city of Úbeda. We also visited the Convento Santa Clara and, passing through the lock without seeing a soul, bought egg galletas. A wonderful experience and a beautiful building."

Chato

"At the convent, they sell various types of sweets at the turnstile. We bought several and leftover shapes, and everything was delicious. I especially loved the sponge cake covered in a sugar coating. There's a free municipal parking lot across the street. The building is gorgeous."

Vi Maca

"Extraordinary sweets I bought at Las Clarisas in Ubeda.
Besides the building's beautiful facade, I saw some people going inside to buy some, and I decided to take a box of Dulces Santa Clara and another of orange-flavored pastries.
14 euros in total, and they were "divinely" good."

Juan Carlos Lopez

What People Like

Delicious homemade sweets
Beautiful architecture
Historical significance

What People Dislike

Limited access to interior

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Monasterio de Santa Clara is located in the old town of Úbeda. Many visitors arrive via walking tours of the historic center. There is a free municipal parking lot conveniently located across the street from the monastery, making it accessible by car. Reddit

Yes, it's situated in Álvaro de Torres Square, often described as being somewhat secluded but easily discoverable within the charming old town of Úbeda. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

While the monastery is open to visitors, specific ticketing information isn't widely detailed. The primary interaction for visitors is purchasing sweets from the turnstile. It's advisable to check local tourist information for any entry fees or specific visiting hours. Reddit

Opening hours can vary as it is a functioning cloistered convent. Visitors typically go to purchase sweets. It's best to check with local tourist offices or inquire upon arrival for the most current hours. Reddit

The monastery is a cloistered convent, meaning access may be limited to specific areas, particularly the section where sweets are sold. The focus for visitors is often on the beautiful architecture and the unique experience of buying homemade pastries. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography rules can vary in religious and cloistered institutions. It's generally best to be discreet and respectful. Photography might be permitted in certain public areas, but it's wise to avoid photographing the nuns or private areas. Reddit

The beautiful facade of the monastery is a great spot for exterior shots. Inside, focus on capturing the ambiance of the sales area and any architectural details that are permitted to be photographed. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The monastery is renowned for its exquisite homemade sweets. Visitors can purchase a variety of traditional pastries, including delicious sponge cake covered in sugar coating and orange-flavored pastries. Reddit

Reviews suggest the sweets are reasonably priced for their quality. One visitor mentioned spending around 14 euros for two boxes of pastries, describing them as 'divinely' good. Reddit

You can enjoy your delicious purchases right after buying them, perhaps in a nearby square or park, or take them back to your accommodation to savor the taste of Úbeda. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Families visiting the Monasterio de Santa Clara will find a unique and engaging experience, especially through the purchase of traditional sweets. It's a fun way to introduce children to local customs and enjoy a tasty treat together. The free municipal parking across the street makes arrival with a car convenient for families. While the monastery itself is a place of quiet reflection, the sweet shop offers a moment of excitement for younger visitors. Reddit

Consider combining the visit with a stroll through Úbeda's old town, which offers plenty of open spaces for children to explore. The historical context, like the story of Isabella the Catholic, can also be a captivating element to share with older children, making the visit both educational and enjoyable.

💰 Budget Travelers

The Monasterio de Santa Clara is an excellent stop for budget-conscious travelers. The entry to the monastery itself is often free, with the main expense being the purchase of delicious homemade sweets. These pastries are described as being reasonably priced and offer great value for their quality, serving as both a treat and a memorable souvenir. Reddit

Furthermore, the availability of free municipal parking nearby eliminates a common travel cost. By focusing on the sweet shop and appreciating the exterior architecture, budget travelers can have a rich and rewarding experience without significant expenditure.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Sweet Tradition of Las Clarisas

The Monasterio de Santa Clara in Úbeda is not just a place of worship; it's a living testament to a centuries-old tradition of cloistered nuns dedicating themselves to crafting exquisite sweets. This practice, often a vital source of income for convents, transforms the monastery into a unique culinary destination. Visitors are drawn to the opportunity to purchase these homemade delicacies directly from the nuns, experiencing a taste of authentic local craftsmanship. The sweets are described as 'divinely' good, with specific mentions of a delightful sponge cake and orange-flavored pastries, making them a highly recommended souvenir. Reddit

This tradition is deeply intertwined with the history of the monastery. The Poor Clare nuns continue their ancestral custom, offering a temptation that is difficult to resist for anyone with a sweet tooth. The act of purchasing these sweets is more than just a transaction; it's a connection to a heritage that has been preserved through generations. The modest exterior of the monastery belies the delightful experience waiting within, offering a sensory pleasure that complements the historical and architectural beauty of the building. Reddit

A Glimpse into History

The Monasterio de Santa Clara holds a significant place in Spanish history, notably for its connection to Isabella I of Castile, also known as Isabella the Catholic. It is recorded that she spent a few nights within its walls. This historical association adds a layer of prestige and intrigue to the monastery, reminding visitors of its importance during a pivotal era in Spain's formation. The mention of her stay serves as a reminder of the monastery's enduring presence and its role in the lives of influential figures. Reddit

Beyond its royal connections, the monastery stands as a beautiful building with a serene atmosphere. Its gorgeous architecture is appreciated by those who visit, offering a peaceful retreat from the bustling old town. The monastery's seclusion, described as if 'hiding from the nearby Anguis Medinilla Palace,' contributes to its tranquil charm. It's a place where history, spirituality, and culinary tradition converge, offering a multifaceted experience for every visitor. Reddit

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