Monastery of St. Clare of Moguer

Moguer, Spain

The Monastery of Santa Clara in Moguer is one of the most important examples of the mudejar architecture in occidental Andalusia. It was founded in 1337 by Sir Alonso Jofre Tenorio, an Admiral from Castile and his wife Lady Elvira Álvarez. It was a donation from Alfonso XI in 1333. It was for Franciscan- Clarisa Nuns.

The monastery was built in a place next to the villa called “Santa Clara Country”, which was integrated in the urban area thanks to the new urban tendency from the end of the 15th century and the growth of demographic population. During centuries, it had influence on the social, economic, cultural and religious life of the region.

Their patrons, “Los Portocarrero”, were connected to it; in fact, some feminine members of this family became members of the monacal community and the conventual church was a family Pantheon.

The fame and prestige achieved by the monastery made it a point of reference between the 14th and 17th centuries which was a period of expansion for other monasteries of the same religious order in Andalusia. Sister Inés Enriquez with other two sisters left the monastery in Moguer to join Maria Coronel in the foundation of the Monastery of Santa Inés in Seville in 1374. She also helped in the reforms of the Santa Clara Monastery in Cordoba with Sister Catalina de Figueroa, Sister Isabel Pacheco and Sister María de Toledo, a daughter of the Counts of La Puebla, and they also reformed the monastery of Santa Clara in Jaén.

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Founded: 1337
Category: Religious sites in Spain

Rating

4.5/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Nuria Z A (2 years ago)
Great monastery in size and history since it had a relevant participation in the Columbian voyages. Sober architecture and decoration although it has some very special pieces in the choir and the church. Guided tours every hour on the hour (the last one at 2 pm). Excellent guide and explanations. It is advisable to confirm by phone as it is sometimes closed for private events.
Pedro Labrador (2 years ago)
Emblematic place in the center of Moguer and at the same recommended for your visit, also ideal for celebrations of all kinds of events
Maria Muñoz (2 years ago)
A very nice place to celebrate any event!
Marina Hornedo (3 years ago)
We have come today December 28 and in theory there is a visit at 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. There is no sign that warns that it is closed only the hours and that you can only enter with guided tours. We had 11 people waiting at the door, we have called several times and no one answered the phone until the fourth call that they told a lady that it is closed for Christmas. No sense at all to close for Christmas and much less not to put up a sign advising the attendees. We will not return to try to see it and of course we will not recommend anyone to travel and waste their time risking it being found closed. Little formality of this institution.
francisco jose solis cabezon (3 years ago)
A magical place, with a lot of charm. It is ideal for celebrations: weddings, baptisms, communions and various events. Definitely a great find
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