Royal Convent of Santa Clara, Medieval convent in Tordesillas, Spain.
The Royal Convent of Santa Clara in Tordesillas is a medieval complex that blends Gothic and Mudéjar architectural styles with ornate wooden ceilings and decorative plaster vaults throughout. The site includes a church, several courtyards, residential quarters, and remarkably preserved Arab baths from the medieval period.
King Pedro of Castile founded the convent in 1363 as a royal spiritual retreat, selecting a location of great importance to the crown. Late in the 14th century, Fernando de Illescas undertook major modifications that reshaped significant portions of its buildings.
The convent's name honors Saint Clare and the spiritual tradition that continues to shape daily life within its walls. A community of cloistered sisters still maintains the religious practices and rhythms that have defined this place for generations.
Access is arranged through Calle Alonso del Castillo Solorzano 21 and requires prior arrangement by telephone or email. It is important to contact ahead since this is an active community with limited visiting availability.
The complex contains Arab baths from medieval times that rank among the most intact examples of their type in northern Spain. These baths show traces of the region's Islamic past and remain visible in their original layout today.
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