Convent of Santa Clara , Funchal

Dating back to the 15th Century, the convent of Santa Clara is a stunning building in the centre of Funchal.​ With a rich history, the building is worth a visit.

The original purpose of the building when it was built in 1489 was to house the daughters of the local nobility.  Within the stunning building, you walk a route that brings you from the church to the cloister to the chapels. From there onwards, you head up to the first floor where you will find the exhibition areas followed by the nun's cells from the mid 18th century to the high choir.

Resurrection Chapel:

The spaces within the chapel are decorated with a varied tapestry of tiles that show a pattern based on Camellias and both the ceiling and doors are decorated with 17th century paintings, carved wood, art paintings and sculpture work.

The altar piece is of a Mannerist style framing various works of art such as " The resurrection", "Christ with the disciples",....

All around the convent, you find stunning tiles. During the big refurbishment campaign that took place during the 17th Century, emphasis was placed on almost total tile covering of surfaces and interiors of chapels

Oratory of the blesses Jesus:

This reliquary oratory was constructed in 1733. In the form of a cupboard with both the inner doors and back painted. Although well faded over time, you can still make out a walled town with churches (alluding to Jerusalem) and birds. 

Nun's cell:

Replicating a cell in a  typical environment at the end of the 18th Century, the cell shows the private accommodation of the poor Clares nuns.
The majority of the nuns were the daughters of wealthy aristocratic families, with access to personal and devotional objects. The nuns made sure to be accompanied by servants and even slaves. An inventory dating back to 1863 indicates that there were 12 dormitories with various cells in each. Throughout the Centuries, money had to be paid in order for the women to enter the convent as novices and eventually to become nuns.

Choir lofts:

The choir lofts, which were built opposite the church's main altar, made it possible for the whole convent's community to be able to attend with dignity mass and other religious ceremonies. Iron grids separated both nuns and recluses from the laics.


The exhibition:

The aim of the exhibition is to tell the story of Santa Clara Convent. All the works of art have been gathered and have been lovingly restored to its former glory.

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Lower choir:

Probably on of the highlights, the lower choir was a private chapel used exclusively by the nuns. This room contains stunningly carved wooden chairs and the fabulous tiled floor stands out.
Within the room are many paintings dating back to the 15th , 16th and 17th century.