Fodor's Expert Review Igreja de Santa Cruz

Coimbra Fodor's Choice

This is Portugal's National Pantheon, the final resting place of the country's first two kings, Dom Afonso Henriques and his son Dom Sancho I. The lower portions of the interior walls are lined with azulejos (tiles) depicting various religious motifs. Look a little closer and you'll notice flaws in the design---that's because the tiles were installed in the 18th century, as a quick fix after flooding damaged the 12th-century frescos that were there originally. The 16th-century baroque organ is a sight to behold. From the sacristy, a door opens to the Casa do Capitulo (Silent Cloister); this double-tier Manueline cloister contains scenes from the Passion of Christ, attributed to Chanterene.

Fodor's Choice Religious Building

Quick Facts

Praça 8 de Maio
Coimbra, Coimbra  3001-300, Portugal

239 822 941

Sight Details:
Rate Includes: Free. €3 cloisters, Closed Sun. until 4 pm

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