Convento de Santa Clara (St. Clara Convent), Salamanca

Established in 1238 as a convent for the Poor Clares, Franciscan nuns, the Saint Clara Convent is among Salamanca’s most historic religious institutions. Over time, the original Gothic structure underwent significant transformations, including reconstruction after a major fire in the late 15th to early 16th century and later Baroque modifications. Although much of the early Gothic architecture has been obscured, subtle remains-such as a simple Gothic doorway-still connect the visitor to its medieval roots.

One of the convent’s most remarkable features is its original Mudejar wooden coffered ceiling dating from the 14th–15th centuries. Though it was later covered during renovations, it was rediscovered and made visible again through innovative walkways-allowing visitors close views of its intricate decoration and heraldic motifs. This restoration was part of a larger project that unveiled medieval wall paintings and earned the prestigious Europa Nostra restoration award in 1988.

The convent’s interior tells layers of artistic history. The lower choir-now part of the museum-features medieval murals alongside more recent religious artworks, enriched by an interactive audiovisual guide to help interpret the imagery. The church houses an elegant Baroque vault and a magnificent main altarpiece by Joaquín de Churriguera, introduced during later refurbishments. The cloister, meanwhile, showcases beautifully preserved artesonado ceilings and murals, including scenes such as the "Miracle of the Palm" and depictions of the penitent Mary Magdalene.

In late 2019, dwindling religious vocations led to the departure of the nuns, and the complex was entrusted to the Las Edades del Hombre Foundation, which transformed it into the Museum of Medieval Painting of Salamanca. Today’s museum trail encompasses the lower and upper choirs, the church, the cloister, viewable wooden ceilings, and the tower viewpoint, offering sweeping vistas of Salamanca’s skyline-including the New Cathedral and the University belfry.