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The Arch of Almedina

Santa Clara-a-Velha Monastery

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Arch of Almedina

This was the main gateway of the medieval city wall. Its oldest part dates from the 9th century, and originally consisted of 2 turrets linked by an arch.

The arch and the tower, date back to the Moorish occupation of the city, XI century. Its current appearance may be the result of a renovation in the early 16th century, for determination of Manuel I of Portugal.

This convent was founded in 1283 by the Abbess Dona Mor Dias, and given to Clarisse nuns shortly afterwards.

Dona Isabel of Aragon, the Queen St Isabel, took an interest in the convent and had a new church built in Gothic style, consecrated in 1330.

Santa Clara-a-Velha Monastery

The convent is in romanesque-gothic style. Its site proved a bad choice, due to flooding from the River Mondego nearby.

Santa Clara-a-Velha Monastery is an archaeological site and an interpretation centre, with visit to the ruins and exhibition of archaeological finds from the convent.

In the sixteenth century, King Dom João IV ordered the construction of the new monastery of Santa Clara Nova situated at the top of the same hill.