Convent of Saint Clare and Guimaraes City Hall, Guimaraes
Built in 1548, the Convent of Saint Clare holds centuries of history within its walls. It served as a religious retreat for nuns from 1562 until 1891, when the last nun passed away. The convent witnessed the quiet devotion of its occupants for nearly three centuries.
The Convent of St. Clare boasts a Baroque-style façade that captivates visitors with its intricate details carved in granite. The façade is adorned with superb craftsmanship, leading the eye to the central focal point—the sculpture of Santa Clara. The Baroque aesthetics are evident in the ornate embellishments that contribute to the overall grandeur of the structure.
Inside the former convent, visitors can explore beautiful cloisters and gardens. These hidden gems offer a serene and contemplative atmosphere, allowing visitors to connect with the peaceful legacy of the nuns who once inhabited the convent. The architecture and landscaping create an immersive experience that transports visitors back in time.
In 1968, recognizing the historical and architectural value of the site, the convent was repurposed as the City Hall of Guimaraes. Today, the City Hall not only conducts municipal affairs but also houses the municipal archives.
The City Hall welcomes visitors during working hours, offering free entrance to those interested in exploring its historical and administrative aspects. The experience allows visitors to appreciate the convergence of history, art, and governance within the walls of this unique establishment.
The Convent of St. Clare boasts a Baroque-style façade that captivates visitors with its intricate details carved in granite. The façade is adorned with superb craftsmanship, leading the eye to the central focal point—the sculpture of Santa Clara. The Baroque aesthetics are evident in the ornate embellishments that contribute to the overall grandeur of the structure.
Inside the former convent, visitors can explore beautiful cloisters and gardens. These hidden gems offer a serene and contemplative atmosphere, allowing visitors to connect with the peaceful legacy of the nuns who once inhabited the convent. The architecture and landscaping create an immersive experience that transports visitors back in time.
In 1968, recognizing the historical and architectural value of the site, the convent was repurposed as the City Hall of Guimaraes. Today, the City Hall not only conducts municipal affairs but also houses the municipal archives.
The City Hall welcomes visitors during working hours, offering free entrance to those interested in exploring its historical and administrative aspects. The experience allows visitors to appreciate the convergence of history, art, and governance within the walls of this unique establishment.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Guimaraes. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Convent of Saint Clare and Guimaraes City Hall on Map
Sight Name: Convent of Saint Clare and Guimaraes City Hall
Sight Location: Guimaraes, Portugal (See walking tours in Guimaraes)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Guimaraes, Portugal (See walking tours in Guimaraes)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Guimaraes, Portugal
Create Your Own Walk in Guimaraes
Creating your own self-guided walk in Guimaraes is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Guimaraes Introduction Walking Tour
Guimarães, the capital of the industrious Ave region of Portugal, is one of the country's most beautiful and authentic cities. Because of its pivotal role in the nation's history, Guimarães also holds the esteemed title of the "birthplace of Portugal" or "the cradle city". The latter, in part, is due to the first King of Portugal, Afonso Henriques, being born here... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles