Convento de Santa Clara - High walls surround the Convent shutting off from the world one of Madeira’s oldest religious foundations. Santa Clara was founded in 1496 by João Gonçalves de Câmara, one of the grandsons of Zarco, the discoverer of Madeira.
Zarco’s granddaughter, Dora Isabella, was installed as the first abbess, establishing a tradition of aristocratic patronage that ensured that the convent was richly endowed. Many a daughter of wealthy parents was forced to take the veil on reaching her 18th birthday - a practice that was supposed to confer spiritual benefits on both parents and child.
The convent became a popular tourist attraction in the 19th century when visitors would come to buy flowers made of feathers, and sample sweetmeats made by the nuns, but in reality hoping to catch sight of some legendary beauty, tragically cut off from the delights of the world.
Today, the nuns run a well-regarded kindergarten and primary school. Ring the bell on the gate and you can take a guided tour of the chapels that lie off the peaceful 15th century cloisters. The chapels shelter an astonishing wealth of paintings, sculpture and azulejos [tiles]. The church alongside was largely rebuilt in the 17th century but it stands on the site of a 15th century chapel where the island’s first three governors, including Zarco, were buried.
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