Monastery of Santa Clara
The Royal Monastery of Santa Clara, also called La Asunción Monastery, is located in Xàtiva and its construction dates back to the 14th century. It is a valuable architectural complex of 4,000 square meters in the historic center of the city. It was declared a Property of Cultural Interest in 2003.
Founded in 1325, by testamentary order of Doña Saurina de Entenza, widow of Roger de Lauria, it was stipulated that, at her expense, a monastery would be built for the Poor Clares in Xátiva. In exchange, the benefactor asked only that her body be buried. In return, she only asked that her body be buried in the temple in a carved tomb.
It is a building of Gothic-Mudejar and Baroque architecture, and its church is dedicated to the Virgin of the Assumption.
The building underwent alterations and extensions during the 16th and 18th centuries. During the Spanish Civil War, the monastery was dynamited and largely demolished, leaving today in the area of the porter's accommodation, the ogival door with smooth staves, through which the monastery is accessed. In the post-war period, the church, refectory and dormitory were rebuilt.
Some women from the Borgia family entered the convent, Beatriz de Borja was abbess of this monastery.
The Monastery houses an interesting collection of medieval and Renaissance gold and silver pieces, baroque images and valuable paintings, including the large canvas of Santa Supper by Vicente López. The monastery was closed in 2001 and its belongings were transferred to the nearby town of Canals.
contact details
Carrer Montcada, 30, 46800 Xàtiva, Valencia, Spain
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