Mosteiro de Santa Clara-a-Velha in Coimbra, Portugal – Museum Information

The Mosteiro de Santa Clara-a-Velha, located in Coimbra, Central Portugal, is a historically significant site featuring the impressive Gothic ruins of a 14th-century monastery. Constructed by Queen Isabel of Aragon, this museum allows access to the remains of the monastery, which includes the vast cloister, the largest Gothic cloister in Portugal. The site offers amenities such as parking, a café, and facilities for disabled visitors. Tours typically last around 30 to 40 minutes, and admission is priced at 4 EUR. Visitors can enjoy insights into the past through archaeological exhibitions housed in the Interpretative Centre.

The museum features various artifacts that reveal the daily lives of the nuns who once inhabited the monastery. Among the key exhibits are everyday objects linked to the Order of the Poor Clares, providing a glimpse into their historical context. The site is also associated with the tragic love story of Inês de Castro and Pedro, which adds a deeper layer of historical intrigue for visitors. A short documentary about the monastery’s history is available for viewing, enhancing the educational experience.