The Santa Clara Convent was founded by João Gonçalves da Câmara, the 2nd captain of Funchal in the 15th century. The construction of this building started in 1492 and the first nuns who lived in this Convent arrived there in 1497. The Santa Clara Convent was born around a small chapel of Nossa Senhora da Conceição that it was enlarged progressively.

The girls convents had an important role in the 16th and 17th century, as noble families could keep their daughters secure until they find a good marriage for them. For the widows it was also the best option to live in the convent as they could preserve their moral, religion and economy.

The Santa Clara Convent is an authentic heritage jewel as it was built to be a Convent and 500 years later it still is a Franciscan Order convent.

Photo by Miguel Fagundes