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Santa Clara Convent, Funchal, Madeira
Visit this convent founded in 1496 and discover its 15th century cloisters.
Santa Clara Convent
© Turismo da Madeira
The walls of the Santa Clara Convent separate the world from one of the oldest religious orders in Madeira. This convent was founded in 1496 by João Gonçalves de Câmara, Zarco’s (discoverer of the island) grandchild.
Dona Isabella, granddaughter of Zarco, was its first Abbess. This way she established an aristocratic tradition which ensured the wealth of the convent. After her, many wealthy families’ daughters were forced to take the vows when they were of age, because it was supposed to give spiritual benefits for them as well as their fathers.
Convento de Santa Clara
© Turismo da Madeira
This convent was turned into a real touristic attraction during 19th century, when the visitors came here to buy flowers made of feathers and sweets.
Nowadays, the nuns run a kindergarten. It is possible to make guided tours to see the chapels of the clusters of 15th century. The chapels exhibit a numerous spectacular paintings, sculptures and tiles.
The attached convent was rebuilt in the 17th century over the foundation of a 15th century chapel, where the remains of the first three governors of Madeira are buried. Its vaulted tower is ornamented with tiles and even older tiles can be seen on its walls, although they are a little faded. The roof is paneled with the traditional Madeiran coffered ceiling, painted with floral motives and a galeon.
More information:
Location:
Calçada de Santa Clara, 15, Funchal, Madeira.
Ticket price:
1,50€.
Opening hours:
Everyday from 10h00 to 12h00 and from 15h00 to 17h00.
Telephone:
(+351) 291 742 602
Recommended Excursions:
Mapa Interactivo:
Madeira
What to see:
- Funchal
- Mercado dos Lavradores Market
- Museu do Vinho da Madeira (Wine Museum of Madeira)
- Arte Sacra Museum of Funchal
- Cathedral of Funchal
- Historical Centre of Funchal
- Santa Clara Convent
- Contemporary Art Museum of Funchal and São Tiago Fortress
- Museu do Bordado do Funchal (Embroidery Museum)
- Jardim Botânico da Madeira (Madeira’s Botanic Garden)
- Parque de Santa Catarina Park
- Museological Area of the São Lourenço Palace
- Henrique and Francisco Franco Museum
- Frederico de Freitas House Museum
- Funchal Natural History Museum
- São João do Pico Fortress
- Igreja do Socorro Church
- Igreja de São Pedro Church
- Capela do Corpo Santo Chapel
- Igreja do Colégio de São João Evangelista Church
- Museu Quinta das Cruzes Museum
- Funchal Toy Museum
- Casa da Luz Electricity Museum
- Cristiano Ronaldo Museum
- Quinta do Palheiro Ferreiro
- Pico do Areeiro
- Monte
- Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Monte Church
- QuintaTropical Monte Palace
- Terreiro da Luta
- Câmara de Lobos
- Cabo Girão Cape
- Curral das Freiras
- Calheta
- Ponta do Pargo
- Porto Moniz
- Aquário da Madeira Aquarium
- Natural pools of Porto Moniz
- Centro de Ciência Viva de Madeira
- Ponta do Sol
- Paul da Serra
- Ribeira Brava
- Ethnographic Museum of Madeira
- São Vicente
- Grutas de São Vicente Caves
- Ruta da Cal Museum Centre
- Seixal
- Praia da Laje or Jaimaica Beach
- Seixal Natural Pools
- Praia do Porto do Seixal Beach
- Miradouro do Véu da Noiva Overlook
- Santana
- Parque das Queimadas Park
- Madeira Thematic Park
- Ribeiro Frio Natural Park
- Pico Ruivo
- Machico
- Caniçal
- Museu da Baleia (Whale Museum)
- Prainha Beach
- Santa Cruz
- Aquapark
- Praia dos Reis Magos Beach
- Camacha
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- ✓ To make Portugal, its culture and its heritage known.
- ✓ To promote sustainable tourism.
In collaboration with:
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