Founded in 1131 outside the walls of Coimbra, the Monastery of Santa Cruz was the most important monastic house in the early times of the Portuguese monarchy. It contains the tombs of Dom Afonso Henriques and Dom Sancho I, the first two Kings of Portugal and main advocates for the construction of the monastery along with canons from the Order of St. Augustine.

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It was once an important medieval school, but over the centuries it turned into a cultural and intellectual centre of the Kingdom of Portugal.

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The monastery went through several changes until the reign of Dom João I. These changes include the addition of the Manga Garden and the cloister, which are definitely worth a visit.

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When inside the monastery, be sure to appreciate some Baroque style elements, such as the dome, the tiles and the pipe organ, as well as other beautiful places, namely the sacristy and upper choir. You can also get to know Portuguese historical and religious art pieces at the Sacred Museum.