Convento de Santa Clara
A historical convent featuring a gorgeous garden, museum, and evocative ruins, offering a serene escape and a glimpse into centuries of history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Convento de Santa Clara
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historical convent featuring a gorgeous garden, museum, and evocative ruins, offering a serene escape and a glimpse into centuries of history.
"The garden is absolutely gorgeous! The ticket is 20bs + 5bs if you want to take photos."
🎯 Garden's Sweet Surprise
Don't miss trying the delicious nispero fruit grown in the garden!
📸 Photo Fee Alert
An extra fee applies for photography, so be prepared if you want to capture your visit.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Enchanting Garden
Central Courtyard
A breathtaking oasis of tranquility, featuring lush greenery and unique fruits like the nispero.
Historical Museum
Interior Galleries
Explore centuries of history within the convent's walls, showcasing artifacts and stories of its past.
Architectural Ruins
Throughout the Convento
Wander through the evocative ruins, a testament to the convent's enduring legacy and past grandeur.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Photography & Entry Fees
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Garden's Sweet Surprise
Don't miss trying the delicious nispero fruit grown in the garden!
📸 Photo Fee Alert
An extra fee applies for photography, so be prepared if you want to capture your visit.
☕ Tea & Cookies Treat
Your ticket includes a complimentary cup of tea and cookies at the abbey cafeteria.
🚶♀️ Solo Exploration
You can explore solo; guided tours may require a minimum number of participants.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Garden's Sweet Surprise
Don't miss trying the delicious nispero fruit grown in the garden!
📸 Photo Fee Alert
An extra fee applies for photography, so be prepared if you want to capture your visit.
☕ Tea & Cookies Treat
Your ticket includes a complimentary cup of tea and cookies at the abbey cafeteria.
🚶♀️ Solo Exploration
You can explore solo; guided tours may require a minimum number of participants.
📍 Correct Entrance
Enter via Calle Calvo #212, not the side with the empanada store.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often praise the Convento de Santa Clara for its absolutely gorgeous garden and the informative, albeit Spanish-only, tours. The historical museum and ruins are also noted as interesting. However, some find the additional photography fee and the strict rules, including potential restrictions on photos, to be a drawback, leading to a 'creepy' or 'stiff' atmosphere for some.
"The garden is absolutely gorgeous! The ticket is 20bs + 5bs if you want to take photos. I was the only one person taking the tour. The lady was very informative and excited about all aspects of the history. The guide is only in Spanish. We even tried the fruit growing in the garden called nispero (loquat). The entree is from Calle Calvo #212, not from the side where little empanada store is!"
Ema Klimaite
"Not necessary to join the guide tour. Need to pay extra if you want to take a photo."
April Lam
"Beautiful! Don't forget to ask for you cup of tea and cookies at the abbey cafeteria with your entrance ticket"
dani i.c.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The main entrance is located at Calle Calvo #212. While public transport options might be available depending on your starting point, many visitors find it accessible by taxi or a short walk if you're already in the vicinity.
Ensure you use the correct address, Calle Calvo #212. Some visitors have noted confusion with entrances, so double-checking your navigation is recommended.
The convent is situated in a historical area, making walking a pleasant way to explore once you arrive. Taxis are also readily available for convenient transport.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The general admission ticket is around 20bs. There is an additional charge of 5bs if you wish to take photographs inside the convent.
Advance booking is generally not required for individual visitors. You can purchase tickets upon arrival.
Guided tours are offered, but they may require a minimum number of participants. You can also opt for a solo exploration if a tour isn't available or suitable for your schedule.
Your entrance ticket not only grants access to the historical site and museum but also includes a complimentary cup of tea and cookies at the abbey cafeteria.
Yes, you can take photos, but there is an extra fee of 5bs for photography.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Visitors can explore the beautiful garden, visit the historical museum, and wander through the atmospheric ruins. The garden is known for its unique fruits like the nispero.
Absolutely. Many visitors enjoy exploring the convent at their own pace, and the staff can be very informative.
The atmosphere is generally described as beautiful and serene, especially in the garden. However, some visitors have found the no-photography rule and the overall ambiance to be 'creepy' or 'stiff'.
While specific hours aren't detailed in the provided tips, it's advisable to check locally or plan for daytime visits to make the most of the garden and historical exhibits.
Founded in 1318, it's a testament to centuries of history with Gothic and Renaissance architecture. It has also served as a unique hotel space in some instances.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is permitted, but it incurs an additional fee of 5bs on top of the entrance ticket.
The garden is a popular spot for photography, offering beautiful natural scenery. The architectural ruins also provide dramatic backdrops.
No specific information is available regarding drone photography, but it's generally advisable to inquire with the management before flying drones in historical or religious sites.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While there's an entry fee and an additional charge for photos, the overall cost is generally reasonable for a family outing. Consider visiting during weekday mornings to avoid larger crowds and ensure a more relaxed experience for everyone.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
However, be prepared for the photography fee (around 5bs) which is an additional cost on top of the entrance ticket. While the garden is a clear highlight for visual appeal, the ruins themselves offer dramatic textures and perspectives. Visiting during the afternoon might provide softer lighting for your shots, but always check local conditions. Remember that some areas might have restrictions, so always be respectful of the site's rules.
🏛️ History Buffs
The museum within the convent provides deeper insights into its past, and the ruins themselves tell a story of resilience and time. Engaging with the historical narrative is key here. While guided tours are available, exploring independently and absorbing the ambiance can be equally rewarding. The convent's history is intertwined with the local culture and religious heritage, offering a comprehensive understanding of its significance.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History
Over time, the convent has witnessed significant events, including damage from earthquakes, which have shaped its current state of evocative ruins. This rich history is preserved within its walls, offering visitors a tangible connection to bygone eras.Beyond its architectural significance, the convent has also played a role in community life. In some instances, like in Vila do Conde, the historic convent has been repurposed, such as becoming The Lince Hotel, blending its historical charm with modern hospitality.
In other locations, like Quito, the nuns of the Monasterio de Santa Clara continue traditional crafts like making hostias and embroidery to sustain themselves, highlighting the enduring spiritual and practical roles these institutions play. For those interested in the religious and cultural heritage of the convent, the museum offers insights into its past. While some visitors have found certain aspects, like photography restrictions, to be 'archaic,' the convent undeniably holds a significant place in the historical tapestry of its respective locations.
The Serene Garden Experience
This green space provides a peaceful contrast to the historical ruins, creating a well-rounded experience. It’s an ideal spot for quiet contemplation or simply enjoying the beauty of the surroundings. The presence of fruit trees and lush vegetation makes it a living testament to the convent's historical connection with the land and its resources.
When visiting, remember that the garden is part of the overall convent experience. While the main attraction might be the historical architecture, the garden offers a refreshing and memorable interlude, making it a key reason many recommend a visit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit