Introduction
Santa Clara-a-Velha Monastery, located in the city of Coimbra, Portugal, is a beautiful and historic monastery which is a popular tourist destination. The monastery was founded in the 13th century by Queen Isabel and is the oldest monastery in the city. The monastery is renowned for its stunning architecture, age-old traditions and its unique history. Visitors to the monastery can explore the monastery’s grounds and take in its impressive Gothic and Romanesque architecture, learn about its fascinating history and observe its traditional customs.
History of Santa Clara-a-Velha Monastery
Santa Clara-a-Velha Monastery was founded in 1286 by Queen Isabel, who was the wife of King Dinis. The queen was a great philanthropist and she used her wealth to build the monastery and to endow it with generous donations. The monastery was originally located on the banks of the Mondego River, but was later moved to its current location in the city of Coimbra. Over the centuries, the monastery was expanded and renovated many times, resulting in a unique blend of Gothic and Romanesque architecture.
Architecture of Santa Clara-a-Velha Monastery
The architecture of Santa Clara-a-Velha Monastery is a mix of Gothic and Romanesque styles, with some elements of Baroque architecture. The most notable elements of the monastery’s architecture are the cloister and the chapel. The cloister is a large, open space surrounded by arches and columns, and the chapel is a large, ornate room with a domed roof. Both of these spaces are decorated with beautiful sculptures and paintings, making them a delight to explore.
Traditions of Santa Clara-a-Velha Monastery
Santa Clara-a-Velha Monastery has some very unique traditions that visitors can experience. One of the most interesting is the “Cantar de Santa Clara”, which is a chant that is sung by the monks in the chapel. The chant is believed to have been composed by Queen Isabel, and it has been passed down through the generations. Another tradition is the “Ceremony of the Keys”, which is a ceremony that is performed once a year on the feast day of St. Clare. During this ceremony, the keys to the monastery are blessed and given to the new abbot.
Visiting Santa Clara-a-Velha Monastery
Visitors to Santa Clara-a-Velha Monastery can explore the monastery’s grounds and take in its stunning Gothic and Romanesque architecture. The monastery also offers guided tours, which provide visitors with an in-depth look at the monastery’s history and traditions. Visitors can also explore the Queen Isabel’s tomb, which is located in the chapel, and observe the Ceremony of the Keys.
Conclusion
Santa Clara-a-Velha Monastery is an incredible place to visit and explore. The monastery is renowned for its stunning architecture, age-old traditions and its unique history. Visitors to the monastery can explore the monastery’s grounds and take in its impressive Gothic and Romanesque architecture, learn about its fascinating history and observe its traditional customs. With its beautiful architecture, incredible history and unique traditions, Santa Clara-a-Velha Monastery is an unforgettable experience.