Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha, Coimbra

Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha is an old ruined church in Coimbra. It was constructed in the 14th century and tourists visit its ruins. What remained from the monastery is worth seeing today. These are well preserved Gothic buildings and the yard of the monastery. The monastery was abandoned because of frequent floods from the river, as it stands on the left bank of the Mondego river. The building of the church was restored and is now one of the most visited sights in Coimbra. The nave roof is covered with stone, which is unusual for churches in Portugal, as they are usually covered with wood. It is illuminated by mullioned windows in Gothic style and rose windows. You will see the remnants of a Gothic fountain with a circular basin in the yard. This church is similar to the great Monastery Alcobaça.