Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha

The ruins of the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha (St Claire-the-Older) are located in the city of Coimbra, in Portugal. The monastery was built in the 14th century on the left bank of the Mondego River, but had to be abandoned in the 17th century due to frequent floods. The well-preserved Gothic ruins of the monastery were excavated in the late 20th century, more than 300 years after being abandoned by the nuns. The ruined church recently reopened to the public after 12 years of restorations with a new visitor center.

Famous quotes containing the word santa:

    I stopped believing in Santa Claus when I was six. Mother took me to see him in a department store and he asked for my autograph.
    Shirley Temple Black (b. 1928)