Museo de Arte Sacra das Clarisas de Monforte de Lemos

About the museum

The museum is in the convent of the Poor Clares of Monforte de Lemos, founded in 1622 by Catalina de la Cerda y Sandoval, wife of the 7th Count of Lemos. As it is an enclosed convent, only the former infirmary is open to visitors; it now houses the exhibition.

The collection was largely assembled by the Counts of Lemos during their viceroyalty in Naples (1610–1616), hence the abundance of works of Italian origin. Pieces from the ducal house of Lerma and from the house of Lemos were added to it. The nuns preserved it for centuries, and the museum opened to the public in 1977, promoted by Manuel Chamoso Lamas and Manuel Casamar.

The exhibition occupies several rooms with painting, sculpture, goldwork, wax sculpture, textiles and relics, mostly Spanish and Italian pieces from the 16th and 17th centuries. Among the most outstanding works are sculptures by Gregorio Fernández and his workshop, such as an Ecce Homo and a Virgin, and a Recumbent Christ and an Immaculate Conception are also mentioned.

Highlights

• Sculptures from the workshop of Gregorio Fernández
• Largest collection of early 17th-century Italian art in Galicia
• Italian Renaissance goldwork
• Relics, textiles and wax sculpture
• Visit to the former infirmary of an enclosed convent

Permanent exhibition

• Colección permanente de arte sacro – Painting, sculpture, goldwork, wax sculpture, textiles and relics, mostly Spanish and Italian, from the 16th and 17th centuries.

Founded

1977

Operated by

Comunidad de Clarisas de Monforte de Lemos

Admission & discounts

General admission €5, according to the Ribeira Sacra tourism portal and the Concello's timetable guide (2026).

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Only the former infirmary of the enclosed convent is open to the public; no accessibility information is published.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The museum is near the town hall; the walking route follows the bank of the River Cabe as far as the Puente Viejo (old bridge), where you turn left.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit