Monastery of Santa Cruz

The Monastery of Santa Cruz in Coimbra (Mosteiro de Santa Cruz) is a National Monument of Portugal and the resting place of the country's first two kings, which earned it the status of National Pantheon. It stands in the heart of Coimbra, right by Praça 8 de Maio, so it fits easily into a walk through the old town.

How did the monastery begin?

The monastery was founded in 1131 by a group of twelve Augustinian canons during the reign of Afonso Henriques, Portugal's first king. Community life started the following year, though building work dragged on for nearly another century. The king was a constant presence here and chose the monastery as his burial place. His son, Sancho I, made the same choice a few years later.

In the first half of the 16th century, under Manuel I, the Romanesque church and cloister were torn down and rebuilt in a late Gothic style with Manueline touches. That is why the interior today blends late Gothic with early Renaissance.

What is there to see inside?

• The royal tombs. The monuments of Afonso Henriques and Sancho I date from around 1530. Each stands roughly twelve metres tall and is covered in carved figures. The kings lie in armour, surrounded by apostles, evangelists and saints beneath Gothic canopies.
• The pulpit. The Renaissance pulpit carved by Nicolas Chantereine in 1522 is among the church's finest sculptural works. It features small scenes, putti, grotesques, and figures of Church Fathers, sibyls and prophets.
• The nave and furnishings. Look for the azulejo tiles along the walls, the organ, and the gilded, carved wooden stalls in the gallery.
• The cloister and former monastic rooms. These are accessible with a ticket, together with the area of the tombs.

Is entry free?

Entering the nave of the church is usually free. A ticket is needed for the chancel with the royal tombs and for the rest of the monastery. Opening hours vary by day of the week, and on Sundays and religious holidays the church may be open only for a short window in the afternoon, so check the current schedule before you go.

Why visit?

Santa Cruz lets you stand at the very beginning of the Portuguese state. It is a compact but history-dense stop: a royal mausoleum, masterful sculpture and azulejos in a single interior. A visit typically takes one to two hours, which pairs well with a day in Coimbra that also includes the university and the Joanina Library.

Frequently asked questions

Who is buried in the Monastery of Santa Cruz? Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal, and his son Sancho I, the second king.

Where is the monastery? In central Coimbra, near Praça 8 de Maio, a short walk from the main streets of the old town.

Do I need a ticket? Not usually for the nave of the church, but yes for the tombs area and the monastery.

How long should I allow? Usually one to two hours, depending on whether you go beyond the nave.

Is this the same as the Church of the Holy Cross? Yes. The monastery is also known as the Church of the Holy Cross.