Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Nova

Mosteiro de Santa Clara-a-Nova is a serene and atmospheric site overlooking Coimbra. The monastery’s elevated position offers beautiful views, while its history tells a story of resilience against repeated flooding. Inside, the spaces feel calm and slightly austere, inviting quiet reflection rather than spectacle. It’s less ornate than other Portuguese monasteries, but that simplicity adds to its charm. A meaningful stop for those interested in history, architecture, and peaceful places away from crowds.

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.

First, people commenting here confuse this site with the ruins nearby of Monastery Santa Clara-la-Velha. Secondly, the owner should post the price here, on Google Maps, so people can be prepared: tickets are 6 euro for adults, 3 euro for teens. The monastery looks more impressive from afar; close up, the crumbling walls show its age. From the town center there are several buses passing by (bus stop: Rainha Santa from where there's just a couple of minutes walk downhill). Personally, I regret making the effort to visit Santa Clara-a-Nova because after seeing monasteries in Batalha, Tomar, Alcobaca, etc. they all start looking the same.

Beautiful and very informative employees. Great stop along the pilgrimage. €6 entry.

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

A beautiful place to visit, and a great personal guided tour of the monastery! Make sure you check out the cloister (it’s a super experience) a real sense of peace

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".

We checked the website to check it was open. Walked up a steep hill to find that we could not go in because there was a wedding followed by a mass. Weddings like this one take months of preparation and so there could have been a mention on the website that it was closed from a certain time. Very unimpressed!!! If they want donations to the upkeep of the site they need to update their website to help people to visit.