History of the Sunken Monastery

For official information, visit Coimbra travel info.

The historic site faced a major problem with the local environment for many years. The Mondego River flooded the building almost every single year during the rainy season. Rising water damaged the beautiful Gothic architecture and the private living quarters of nuns. The residents struggled for centuries to keep the monastery dry and safe from floods.

In the 17th century, the nuns finally decided to leave the flooded valley forever. They built a new monastery on a nearby hill to escape the rising river. The old site remained buried in thick mud for many hundreds of years afterwards. Modern excavations finally brought these amazing ruins back to light for visitors to see.

What to See While Exploring Ruins of Santa Clara-a-Velha

The site offers a perfect mix of ancient history and modern museum design today. You will start your visit at the interpretive center located near the main entrance. This museum holds many interesting items found during the long and careful archaeological excavation. You can see pottery, jewelry, and daily tools used by the nuns long ago.

The main attraction is the partially submerged Gothic church that still stands quite tall. You can walk through the nave and admire the massive stone arches above you. The lower levels still show clear signs of the historic river floods from centuries. It is a hauntingly beautiful sight for any history lover visiting the city today.

Outside the church, you can explore the old cloister area and the garden paths. The ruins show the layout of the original monastic complex in great detail now. Information boards explain the function of each room you see during your walking tour. This makes the experience very educational for visitors of all ages and backgrounds.

Planning Your 2026 Visit

Planning your trip to Coimbra in 2026 is very easy for most international travelers. The ruins are open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday throughout the year. Standard entry fees are usually around five Euros per person for an adult ticket. Discounts are often available for students and senior citizens with a valid photo ID.

The site is located on the south bank of the beautiful Mondego River nearby. You can walk there from the main train station in just a few minutes. Wear comfortable shoes as the ground can be quite uneven inside the ruins area. The outdoor areas offer very little shade during the hot summer months in Portugal.

Check the official website for updated hours before you arrive at the main gate. Some areas may close during heavy rain for safety reasons during the winter months. Morning visits are best to avoid the large tour groups that arrive by bus. This allows you to take photos without many people around the historic stone walls.

Walking Routes Near the Ruins

The ruins are part of a much larger historical walking area in South Coimbra. You can follow a Santa Clara-a-Velha walking guide to see more local sights. This path connects the ruins to other local landmarks located within a short distance. It is a great way to spend a sunny afternoon in this historic city.

Start your walk at the Ponte de Santa Clara bridge near the city center. This bridge offers the best views of Coimbra from Santa Clara across the water. You can see the university tower clearly from this specific spot on the bridge. The walk takes about fifteen minutes from the center of the old town area.

After the ruins, continue to the Portugal dos Pequenitos park located just down the road. This theme park is perfect for families traveling with young children in central Portugal. You can also visit the Quinta das Lagrimas gardens located near the old monastery. These gardens are famous for a legendary royal love story from the middle ages.

Explore the city further by using the scenic walks in Coimbra 2026 routes. These paths offer a great way to see the historic city from many different angles. You can find maps for these routes at the local tourist office in the center. Most of these trails are easy to walk for people of all fitness levels.

These paths follow the Mondego River walking paths for several miles along the water. You will find many quiet spots to sit and enjoy the local river views. It is the best way to see the natural beauty of this university town. The river walk is especially beautiful during the sunset hours in the late afternoon.