Convento de Santa Clara

Convento de Santa Clara is a convent of Poor Clare nuns in the heart of Ribadeo, one of the most charming small towns on Galicia's Cantabrian coast. The building sits only about 200 meters from the town hall, making it an easy stop on a short walk through the old center.

How do you get there?

Ribadeo lies in the province of Lugo, right on the border with Asturias, where the Eo River meets the sea. The convent stands at Rúa Clemente Martínez Pasarón number 5, right in the town center — a few minutes' walk from anywhere in the old quarter. By car, Ribadeo is reached via the N-634 road or the A-8 Cantabrian motorway. The nearest larger airports are Asturias Airport (Avilés) and Santiago de Compostela.

What's the history behind it?

The community's roots likely go back to the 11th century, when a beaterio — an informal community of religious women — existed on the site. Documented history begins in 1366, when Ruy Sánchez, archdeacon of Santiago and canon of Mondoñedo, donated funds to build the monastery of Santa Clara. The beaterio became a full convent during the 15th century, and the first nuns are said to have come from Oviedo.

The building has survived several dramatic episodes. On August 12, 1544, during the feast of Santa Clara, a fire broke out and nearly destroyed the convent — according to tradition, it was extinguished thanks to the saint's "miraculous intervention." In 1809, during the Peninsular War, Napoleonic troops occupied the convent, causing serious damage and destroying most of its archive.

What will you see on site?

The convent is a large, rectangular complex that still preserves elements of its original Romanesque-style architecture. Its most distinctive feature is the cloister, dating from the 18th century — a square layout with semicircular arches on the ground floor. The complex remains an active convent of Poor Clare nuns, which shows in the modest, contemplative character of the interiors and surroundings.

When should you visit, and how do you see it?

Because it's a cloistered religious community, the convent isn't open for regular sightseeing — access to the church interior is possible during Mass. On weekdays and holidays, Mass is typically held at 9 am, and on the eve of holidays at 7 pm. It's a good opportunity to glimpse the convent church and experience a place that has functioned continuously for centuries.

Ribadeo is worth combining with a visit to the nearby Playa de las Catedrales (Praia das Catedrais) and a walk through the old town, known for its colorful houses and viewpoints over the Eo estuary. Spring and summer are the best seasons, when longer days let you pair a stroll through town with a trip to the coast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you go inside the convent? The interior is mainly accessible during Mass — daily at 9 am, and at 7 pm on the eve of holidays. It's a living cloistered community, not a museum, so there's no general open access to the whole building.

How far is the convent from Ribadeo's town center? Very close — about 200 meters from the town hall, right in the center. It's a few minutes' walk from anywhere in the old town.

Do nuns still live in the convent? Yes, the building continues to function as an active convent of Poor Clare (Franciscan) nuns, which gives it an authentic, contemplative atmosphere.

What else is worth seeing nearby? Ribadeo is known for its historic old town, viewpoints over the Eo River estuary, and its proximity to Playa de las Catedrales, one of Galicia's most photographed beaches.