Audio Guide of the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Nova

The monastery is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (last entry at 5:30 PM), and is closed on Mondays and public holidays. It is easily reached from central Coimbra on foot or by bus; check the official website for updates.

Admission costs €6 for adults, €3 for young people (ages 13-25) and visitors over 65, and is free for children under 12 and local residents. You can buy tickets at the ticket office or online through the DGPC portal.

It is recommended to allow between 45 minutes and 1 hour for a full visit, exploring the church, cloisters, and museum. If you use an audio guide, such as the one from IAudioguia, you may want to spend more time on the details.

Founded in 1314 by Queen Saint Elizabeth of Aragon, it was rebuilt in the 18th century after flooding from the Mondego River, and stands out for its Gothic-Manueline and Baroque architecture. It is a cultural treasure reflecting royal devotion and Portuguese medieval history.

Spring (March-May) or autumn (September-November) are ideal because of the mild weather and fewer tourists; avoid July-August because of the heat. Go early in the morning for perfect natural light in the cloisters and fewer crowds.

Accessibility is partial: there are ramps at the main entrance and an elevator to the first floor, but some areas such as the upper cloisters have stairs. Contact +351 239 823 582 for specific details or assistance.

Nearby you will find the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha (a 5-minute walk), the University of Coimbra (15 minutes), and the Mondego River for walks. Combine it with a visit to Old Cathedral of Coimbra for a full day out.

Wear comfortable shoes for the cobbled floors, book an audio guide at IAudioguia for immersive stories in English, and visit in a small group for a better experience. Do not forget a camera without flash and water on hot days.