Monastery of Santa Cruz

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Monastery of Santa Cruz, Medieval monastery in central Coimbra, Portugal.

The Santa Cruz Monastery features a Renaissance stone facade, Gothic royal tombs, intricately carved choir stalls, and a four-thousand-pipe organ.

Founded in 1131 by Augustinian canons, the monastery served as the final resting place for Portugal's first two kings, Alfonso Henriques and Sancho I.

The monastery established Portugal's first medieval college, contributing to the creation of the University of Coimbra and nurturing scholars like Saint Anthony.

The church allows free entry, while visiting the monastery sections, including cloisters and tombs, requires purchasing admission tickets at the entrance.

The choir stalls, created in 1518, display carved images of Portuguese sailing vessels, documenting the maritime exploration period through wooden art.

Location: Coimbra (Sé Nova, Santa Cruz, Almedina e São Bartolomeu)

Inception: 1131

Architectural style: Manueline

Part of: Universidade de Coimbra – Alta e Sofia

GPS coordinates: 40.21095,-8.42876

Latest update: May 27, 2025 13:29

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