Question: What if I told you there’s a golden cave far better kept than Porto’s famed St. Francis church? That hidden gem is the Convento de Santa Clara. Its story began in 1416. It started with the construction of the Santa Clara Convent. It was intended for nuns of the Order of Poor Clares.
The Convento de Santa Clara evolved. It became a cultural heritage site and a Porto tourist attraction. Its importance is clear. It was named a National Monument in 1910. It also became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.
Queen Isabel of Portugal founded the church. This dates back to the 15th century. The original convent was for the Franciscan religious order for women, the Order of Saint Clare.
The Convento de Santa Clara has a mix of architectural styles. These styles show different construction and renovation periods. The original Gothic design saw changes. Baroque and Rococo elements were added in the 17th and 18th centuries during renovations.
Though the convent is gone, remnants of its cloisters remain. These offer a peaceful escape from city streets. The cloisters hold arcades, columns, and medieval and Renaissance architectural details.
Externally, the Igreja de Santa Clara looks humble. Its entrance sits in a courtyard off a leafy square. The exterior gives off a peaceful vibe. The interior’s richness sharply contrasts its simple facade.
Inside, you’ll find a small museum. It displays original pieces, including saints. The church seems covered in gold. But look closer. The detailed wood carvings are coated in gold leaf. The Convento de Santa Clara is a prime example of gilded woodwork. About 200kg of gold were used to complete its interior.
Statues adorn the walls. There are figures of saints, cherubs, and angels. The chapel and choir area boast rich decorations. Miguel Francisco crafted the baroque altar piece, chancel, and crossing in 1730. They add to the church’s charm.
A unique feature is the viewing platform for nuns. They lived in the convent. The platform remains open. It had supports for nuns tired of standing. Nuns could view sermons through a gilded metal gate.
The Igreja de Santa Clara inspires literary creation. It is an object of artistic and historical study. It stands as a reference of Portuguese Baroque. It is one of the greatest examples of national gilded woodcarving.
Legend tells of Abadessa Berengária. She lived from 1384 to 1406. The story tells of relaxed religious life among the nuns. They refused work and spoke poorly. They were not eager to pray. Berengária was an exception. She was humble and followed the best examples of past Clarissas. She did even the most humble tasks with joy.
When the Abadessa died, the nuns needed a successor. Many wanted the role. Berengária did not. Each voter voted for Berengária. They thought it would delay the decision. But Berengária accepted the role when elected. She had not asked for it. But she would not refuse it.
The other nuns mocked her. They refused to obey. They said the vote was not serious. The new Abadessa was firm. She ordered her dead predecessors to offer homage. The former Abadessas rose from their tombs. They showed respect. The nuns repented their pride. They accepted the new Abadessa’s authority.
The Convento de Santa Clara is truly worth your visit. It is a hidden treasure in Porto.