Convento de Santa Clara

The Convent of Santa Clara de Llerena is a cloistered convent/monastery located in Llerena, province of Badajoz, and is the only one of the former convents of the city that is preserved as such and maintains its religious function. The local tourist office identifies it as "Convent and Church of Santa Clara", occupied since its origin by nuns of the Order of St. Francis and St. Clare. Its foundation dates back to the early 16th century; tradition and local tourist sources attribute it to Doña Isabel Delgado, widow of Don Rodrigo Porrado, commander of the Order of Santiago. Consequently, the complex belongs to the first Renaissance of Extremadura, with a classicist facade according to the local tourist description. Among the outstanding patrimonial elements are the porticoed cloister, the church with a single nave, the vault with fresco paintings from the 16th century and one of its most famous pieces: the carving of San Jerónimo Penitente by Martínez Montañés. Also mentioned is a museumized lower choir, with liturgical pieces and objects related to the religious community. The convent is part of the conventual heritage that explains the historical character of Llerena as a city linked to religious life and the Order of Santiago. In addition to its artistic and devotional interest, it preserves a continuity of use that is rare in the historical monastic architecture of Extremadura.