Convent of St Clare
Largo de Dom Afonso Sanches, Vila do Conde 4480 - 793
Phone: +351 252 631 016
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Situated on the north bank of the River Ave, the Convento de Santa Clara was founded in 1318 by the illegitimate son of King Dinis I, Dom Afonso Sanches and his wife Dona Tareja Martins. Their tombs remain in the church. The main dormitory block, rebuilt in the 18th century, is a correctional institute for teenagers. The church is basically unchanged from its original Gothic fortress style but has some Renaissance additions. A five kilometre aqueduct with 999 arches was built in the 18th century to bring water for the convent from Povoa de Varzim and part still remains.
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