10 Things to Do in Monastery of Celas Coimbra, Portugal
The Monastery of Celas in Coimbra, Portugal is one of the oldest and most beautiful monasteries in the world. It was founded in 1131 by the Cistercian Order and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The monastery is a stunning example of Romanesque architecture, and it is filled with history and culture. Here are 10 things to do in the Monastery of Celas Coimbra, Portugal.
1. Visit the Cloister of the Monastery: The cloister of the Monastery of Celas is one of the most impressive parts of the building. It is a square courtyard surrounded by a colonnade of arches and columns. The cloister is a peaceful place to take a walk, admire the architecture, or just sit and enjoy the view.
2. Explore the Church of Santa Cruz: The Church of Santa Cruz is the main church of the Monastery of Celas. It is a stunning example of Romanesque architecture, with a large dome and a beautiful altar. The church is open to the public, and it is a great place to admire the art and architecture.
3. Visit the Library of the Monastery: The library of the Monastery of Celas is one of the oldest in the world. It holds a vast collection of books and manuscripts, which date back to the 12th century. The library is open to the public, and it is a great place to explore the history and culture of the monastery.
4. Admire the Artwork: The Monastery of Celas is filled with beautiful artwork. The walls of the church are decorated with frescoes and sculptures, and the cloister has a collection of sculptures and carvings. The artwork is a great way to appreciate the history and culture of the monastery.
5. Take a Tour: The Monastery of Celas offers guided tours of the building. The tour will take you through the cloister, the church, and the library, and it is a great way to learn about the history and culture of the monastery.
6. Visit the Crypt: The crypt of the Monastery of Celas is a fascinating place to visit. It is a large underground chamber filled with tombs and crypts dating back to the 12th century. The crypt is a great place to explore the history and culture of the monastery.
7. Take a Cooking Class: The Monastery of Celas offers cooking classes for visitors. The classes teach traditional Portuguese recipes, and they are a great way to learn about the culture and cuisine of Portugal.
8. Attend a Concert: The Monastery of Celas hosts regular concerts in its church. The concerts feature classical music, and they are a great way to appreciate the beauty of the monastery.
9. Take a Hike: The Monastery of Celas is located in a beautiful area, and it is surrounded by forests and mountains. The area is a great place to take a hike, and it is a great way to explore the natural beauty of the region.
10. Shop at the Souvenir Shop: The Monastery of Celas has a souvenir shop, which sells a variety of items related to the monastery and the region. The shop is a great place to find souvenirs and gifts to take home with you.
The Monastery of Celas is a stunning example of Romanesque architecture, and it is filled with history and culture. Whether you want to explore the cloister, admire the artwork, take a cooking class, or just take a hike, there is something for everyone at the Monastery of Celas. So why not take a trip to Coimbra, Portugal and explore the Monastery of Celas for yourself?