Royal Convent of Santa Clara de Tordesillas

On the banks of the Duero River stands one of the most important monuments dating from the transition to the Modern Age and one of the finest examples of Mudejar architecture in Castile and León. On the façade, two tombstones remind us of its origin as a tribute to the decisive Battle of Salado. With the spoils, Alfonso XI gave orders for a large building to be constructed with the classical structure of Muslim palaces. It was later transformed into a convent, a function it retains today.

The Christian monarchs expressed their admiration for the sophistication of Muslim architecture here, as attested by the baths, the Arab Courtyard and the ubiquitous horseshoe arches. Further examples are the Gilded Chapel and its dome, typical of mosques but with constant references to the martyrs of the Church. The compendium of styles reaches a climax in the Gothic ensemble of the Saldaña Chapel. This is where the remains of Queen Joanna – incorrectly known as 'the Mad' – were laid to rest before being transferred permanently to Granada.

The convent of Tordesillas has hosted several productions, such as the documentary ‘Comuneros’.