Convento de Santa Clara

The Convento de Santa Clara is a Franciscan convent at Calçada de Santa Clara 15 in the Santa Clara district of Funchal, on the island of Madeira, Portugal. It was founded in the late 15th century by descendants of João Gonçalves Zarco, the navigator credited with the settlement of Madeira, and it has been home to a community of Poor Clare nuns for centuries. The convent church is the main part open to visitors. Its interior is known for its azulejo tile panels, which cover the walls in blue and white patterns and scenes, and for a carved wooden ceiling that is among the finest on the island. The tomb of João Gonçalves Zarco is inside the church, and it draws visitors interested in the history of the island's discovery. Because the convent is a place of worship and an active religious house, the atmosphere is quiet, and visitors are expected to dress modestly and speak softly. Opening hours are roughly Tuesday to Saturday, 10AM to 12:30PM and 2PM to 5PM, and the convent is closed on Sunday, Monday, and holidays; hours and fees differ between sources, so visitors should confirm at visitmadeira.com before going. A visit lasts about 45 minutes. Morning is the best time, when the church is calm and daylight shows the ceiling and tiles. Crowds are small, as few groups include it, and the main risk is arriving during the midday closure. The convent is a fifteen-minute uphill walk from the Sé, or a short taxi ride from Avenida Arriaga, and it sits close to the Quinta das Cruzes Museum and the Fortaleza de Nossa Senhora do Pico, so the three can be combined into a half-day on the hill above the centre. The street outside offers views over Funchal, and the walk passes quiet residential lanes. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes for the slope. Photography rules vary, and visitors should ask before taking pictures inside the church. Free areas outside include the entrance courtyard, which is pleasant for a short rest.