Mosteiro de Santa Clara-a-Velha

Mosteiro de Santa Clara-a-Velha
Situated on the left bank of the river Mondego and on very low grounds, this Gothic convent, built in the end of the 13th century, was abandoned in the 17th century due to the constant flooding from the river.

The restoration and recovery of the church in ruins, now in progress, also include archaeological excavations in the surrounding grounds to bring back what remains of the main cloister, only known through ancient descriptions.

The building collapsed due to the impact of the waters, and the masonry, inacessible, remained in place so that the recovery works are like an enormous puzzle to the archaeologists.

Although it is not possible to visit the interior, the outside of the monastery deserves to be admired and visited.