Santa Clara

The Convento de Santa Clara-a-Velha, on the south bank of the Mondego, is the main attraction on this side of the river. Founded in the 14th century by Queen Isabel, it was repeatedly flooded by the rising river and eventually abandoned in the 17th century — the nuns moved uphill to Santa Clara-a-Nova. The old convent has been excavated and restored as a museum, and the Gothic church, half-submerged for centuries, is hauntingly beautiful.

The albergue is near the convent. Follow the winding cobbled lane downhill to reach the bridge into Coimbra.