Igreja de Santa Cruz (Monastery of Santa Cruz), Coimbra
The Igreja de Santa Cruz (aka Mosteiro de Santa Cruz) in Coimbra is an historic monastery church that originally dates from 1131.
History
The Igreja de Santa Cruz contains the tombs of Portugal's first two kings: Afonso Henriques (1109-1185) and his son and successor Sancho I (1154-1211). The monastery was an important and wealthy centre of learning in the medieval period attracting both scholars and royal patronage.
Little remains of the original Romanesque church which was rebuilt in the early 16th century. The architect Diogo de Boitaca, who was responsible for the Jerónimos monastery in Belem, Lisbon was appointed by King Manuel I.
Under his direction and later that of Diogo de Castilho, the Sala do Capítulo chapterhouse and the Cloister of Silence (Claustro do Silêncio) were constructed in Manueline style.
The tombs of the two monarchs were moved and replaced in new burial chests by the famed French sculptor Nicolau Chanterene, who also produced the impressive sculptures in the Cloister of Silence and carved the ornate pulpit.
The lavish interior of the church is also noted for a Baroque pipe organ added in the 18th century, fine azulejos tile work, paintings by Grão Vasco and extensive stained glass. The triumphal arch on the exterior dates from the 19th century.
The Igreja de Santa Cruz stands in Praça 8 de Maio in the lower part of Coimbra adjacent to the Câmara Municipal (Town Hall) and close to Jardim de Manga, formerly a cloister of the church by João de Ruão (Jean de Rouen), another acclaimed French sculptor active in Portugal.
The wrought-iron covered market building is close by to the Jardim de Manga.
Nearby
Other attractions in Coimbra include the Sé Velha (old Cathedral), the Museu Nacional de Machado de Castro and the buildings of Coimbra University (Sala dos Capelos & Capela de São Miquel). Also within Coimbra are the Sé Nova, Coimbra Botanical Garden and the Museu da Ciência.
Next door to the church itself is the superb Cafe Santa Cruz (Praça 8 de Maio) set in a former chapel of the monastery. The cafe retains the original vaulted Manueline ceiling and stained-glass. Enjoy a Portuguese pastry and coffee on the marble tables while you admire the ornate wood paneling. The cafe is a meeting place for artists, journalists, writers, and also supporters of local football team, União de Coimbra.
Access & Hours
Igreja de Santa Cruz (igrejascruz.webnode.pt)
Rua Martins de Carvalho, 3
3001-801 Coimbra
Tel: 239 822 941
Hours: Monday-Friday; 9 am - 5 pm; Saturday 9 am-12 pm & 2 pm-5 pm; Sunday 4 pm-5.30 pm.
Masses are held every day. Check the website (in Portuguese) for times.
Admission: Free to enter the church but with a fee to enter the cloisters and chapterhouse.
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