Shrine of Santa Clara

The construction of the Shrine of Santa Clara began in 1519, promoted by Juan de la Rosa, dedicated to Santa Clara de Asís, on the outskirts of town. It is one of the oldest buildings in El Puerto de Santa María, Cadiz.

Back then the town was under the jurisdiction of the Dukes of Medinaceli, who promoted the construction of religious buildings to attract religious orders that would go and evangelise the new continent. In the mid-16th century, the Brotherhood of Santa Clara was in charge of the shrine. The architectural style of the shrine can be classed as eclectic, as it is the result of the successive renovations it has had over the centuries. It combines the architectural simplicity of the beginning, where the now disappeared Mudejar coffered ceiling stood out, with elaborate 19th- and 20th-century architecture in its half-orange dome and the fresco paintings depicting religious scenes made in the late 18th century or early 20th century.

A necropolis dating back to the 15th century was discovered close to the Shrine of Santa Clara. It was used until the 19th century, when it was replaced by the Santa Cruz Cemetery in 1802. This old cemetery has been excavated and studied, and contains very interesting remains.

The shrine is currently part of the Way of St James, specifically the Via Augusta, a section between Cadiz and Seville. After being renovated it was converted into a Centre for Conservation and Restoration of Personal Property and starting point of the Religious and Sacred Art Route, recovering this space for El Puerto and Barrio Alto.