Coimbra - Convento de Santa Cruz 
The Rua Eduardo Coelho, on the north side of the Praça do Comércio, leads eventually to the Praça 8 de Maio, focal point of life in the town. On the east side of the square is the Convento de Santa Cruz. This former Augustinian monastery was founded in 1131 and much altered and enlarged in later centuries. Fundamental innovation work was carried out in the 15th/16th C. in the reign of Manuel I by his celebrated architect Boytaca, and after his death by Nicolas de Chantarène.
|
Must-see attractions nearby:
|
Things to See
Convento de Santa Cruz - Choir
In the Choir, reached through the Sacristy, are the tombs (mainly in late Gothic style) of the first Portuguese kings; they were commissioned by Manuel I from Nicolas de Chanterène: on the left the recumbent figure of Afonso I Henriques (1139-85), on the right Sancho I (1185-1211), each surrounded by seven saints.
Convento de Santa Cruz - Claustro do Silencio
Also reached from the Sacristy, via the Chapterhouse, is the picturesque Claustro do Silêncio (16th C.), a two story Manueline cloister with three magnificent reliefs (scenes from the Passion) in the southwest and northeast corners and on the south side, and in the center a beautiful Renaissance fountain.
Convento de Santa Cruz - Sacristy
In the Sacristy, entered from the right hand side of the Convento de Santa Cruz and a Renaissance structure of 1622 with coffered barrel vaulting and polychrome azulejo decoration on the walls, are a number of notable pictures by Portuguese artists ("Pentecost" by Cristóvao de Figueiredo; "Calvary" by Sao Bento).
Convento de Santa Cruz - South Wing
The south wing of the Convento de Santa Cruz contains the aisleless convent church (1131-32), which has a Manueline facade with rich sculptural decoration, and a vaulted interior with side chapels. On the north wall is a magnificent pulpit (1522), a relic of the rich furnishings which are referred to in historical documents. In the Gallery are fine 16th C. stalls, the only ones of that period in Portugal, carved with representations of Vasco da Gama's voyages and scenes from Camoes' "Lusiads".
Jardim da Manga
Adjoining the monastery complex to the east is the Jardim da Manga, all that is left of a second, later cloister built by Joao III according to a design drawn on his sleeve, hence the name "Manga". The domed building in the center is surrounded by water and four small round chapels, to which access used to be by drawbridge only. Once these were raised there was nothing to disturb the monks' meditation.
