Royal Convent of Santa Clara

The Royal Convent of Santa Clara is a monastery featuring a rectangular nave with Mudejar coffered ceilings and two choirs arranged for sung prayer services. A central cloister with surrounding garden provides the communal heart of the complex.

Founded by Franciscan nuns in 1290, the convent gained royal prestige when Queen Isabella I of Castile visited in 1489 during her military campaign in the region. The structure underwent gradual modifications across subsequent centuries.

The building reflects layers of Gothic, Mudejar, and Baroque styles that reveal how architectural tastes evolved across different centuries in southern Spain.

The convent is open during regular hours and welcomes visitors to purchase handmade sweets prepared by the resident nuns through a turnstile at the entry. This traditional system keeps the transaction simple and respects monastic privacy.

A local tradition involves brides bringing twelve eggs to the nuns as a superstition meant to prevent rain on their wedding day. This unusual custom reveals how the convent remains woven into the everyday beliefs and rituals of the community.

Location: Úbeda

Address: calle Santa Clara

Phone: +34953751106

GPS coordinates: 38.00928,-3.37017

Latest update: December 13, 2025 12:20