Monastery of Santa Cruz
Mosteiro de Santa Cruz · Coimbra (Sé Nova, Santa Cruz, Almedina e São Bartolomeu)
building or structure in Coimbra, Portugal
Contents
8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Orientation
Welcome to the Mosteiro de Santa Cruz in Coimbra, one of the most historically and politically significant religious sites in Portugal. Founded in 1131 by the Order of Saint Augustine, this monastery is inextricably linked to the…
Listen in the app2The Manueline Portal and Facade
Before we enter, let us examine the exterior facade, which is a prime example of the creative energy of the 16th century. The original Romanesque entrance was largely obscured by the addition of the grand Manueline portal,…
Listen in the app3The Royal Tombs of the First Kings
Once inside the church, our focus turns toward the high altar, where the most important treasures of Santa Cruz are located: the royal tombs of Afonso Henriques and Sancho I. These tombs were commissioned by King Manuel I in 1530…
Listen in the app4The Azulejos and the History of the Order
As you walk down the nave, take a moment to observe the extensive tile work, or 'azulejos,' that covers the walls. These blue and white tiles were added in the 18th century and are a quintessential element of Portuguese Baroque…
Listen in the app5The Manueline Cloister of Silence
Leaving the main nave, we enter the 'Claustro do Silêncio'—the Cloister of Silence. This is one of the most beautiful examples of Manueline architecture in Portugal. …
Listen in the app6The Manga Garden and the Renaissance Fountain
Located just behind the monastery complex is the Jardim da Manga, or Manga Garden. This is one of the most unique Renaissance structures in Portugal. …
Listen in the app7The High Choir and the Great Organ
Returning to the church interior, we must look up to the High Choir, or 'Coro Alto.' This area contains some of the most exquisite woodcarving in the country. The choir stalls, completed in 1513, are a masterpiece of the…
Listen in the app8Closing
As we conclude our tour of the Mosteiro de Santa Cruz, I hope you have felt the profound weight of history that this site carries. We have moved from the triumphal Manueline facade to the silent presence of the first kings of…
Listen in the app
What is Monastery of Santa Cruz?
Monastery of Santa Cruz is a place in Coimbra (Sé Nova, Santa Cruz, Almedina e São Bartolomeu) with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Location | Coimbra (Sé Nova, Santa Cruz, Almedina e São Bartolomeu) |
|---|---|
| Type | Heritage |
| Story sections | 8 |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 40.2109, -8.4288 |
| Last updated |
Nearby places
within a 5-minute walk
Old Cathedral of CoimbraHeritage8 sections
Coimbra-Cidade train stationHeritage8 sections
New Cathedral of CoimbraHeritage8 sectionsLargo da PortagemHeritage9 sections
Botanical Garden of the University of CoimbraActivity8 sections
Monastery of Santa Clara-a-VelhaHeritage8 sections
Mosteiro de Santa Clara-a-VelhaHeritage8 sections