The document discusses the founding and history of Santa Cruz Monastery in Coimbra, Portugal. Founded in 1131 outside the walls of Coimbra, it was the most important monastic house and its school was essential in the Middle Ages. Its scriptorium helped spread propaganda for King Afonso Henriques and it was not surprising that he chose to be buried there. The monastery contains the tombs of the first two kings of Portugal, Afonso Henriques and Sancho I.

2. Founded in 1131
outside the
protecting walls of
Coimbra. It was the
most important
monastic house of
Portuguese
monarchy.
Its school was
essential in Middle
Ages and also a
meeting point for the
intellectual and
powerful elites.

3. Its scriptorium was responsible for the propaganda
machine of King Afonso Henriques, being not
strange at all his decision to be buried exactly in
Santa Cruz of Coimbra.
The single nave leads to the main chapel containing
the tombs of the first two kings of Portugal, Afonso
Henriques and Sancho I.
Downtown Square