Old Monestary of Santa Clara, Coimbra

Inundated and hidden by centuries of floods, Old Monestary of Santa Clara now stands as a preserved example of Gothic religious architecture. Constructed during the 1300s, the building succumbed to constant flooding of the Mondego River by the 17th century. Visit the abandoned monastery, which was excavated during the latter half of the 20th century, and you'll be greeted with a near-complete complex restored to viewable condition. Wander through the church on the raised platforms within, and you'll see naves, cloisters, chapels, and courtyards--giving you an idea of how the building appeared when the waters finally swallowed it. Stop by the visitor center for more background information on the founding, construction, and history of the convent, as well as a display of artifacts found at the site. Old Monestary of Santa Clara is just one of the many highlights you can arrange to see using our custom trip planner, Coimbra Edition.