Coimbra has preserved, for centuries, the memory of one of the most beloved figures in Portuguese history: Queen Saint Isabel, a symbol of faith and charity. Beatified by Pope Leo X in 1516 and canonized by Pope Urban VIII in 1625, Isabel of Aragon continues to be venerated not only for her pious life and the famous Miracle of the Roses, but also for something that still fuels the curiosity and devotion of the faithful to this day: her incorrupt hand.
“Incorruption” is a phenomenon recognized by the Catholic Church in which, against all natural laws, parts of the body of certain saints remain preserved after death. In the case of Queen Saint Isabel, patroness of the city of Coimbra, it is believed that her hand has remained incorrupt since her death in 1336. This relic is kept at the Santa Clara-a-Nova Monastery in Coimbra and is displayed to the public on special occasions. This is a special year for Coimbra as it celebrates the 400th anniversary of Queen Saint Isabel’s canonization and the 700th anniversary of her pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. As part of this celebration, from June 17 to July 2, 2025, visitors to the monastery will be able to see this piece of profound religious and symbolic value up close. The exhibition is part of the celebrations in honor of the city’s patron saint, whose festivities, usually held every two years, attract thousands of faithful and curious visitors. In addition to the relic, a visit to the convent offers an opportunity to explore one of the most imposing baroque monuments in the city, where the remains of Queen Saint Isabel rest in a silver and crystal tomb, wrapped in devotion. Whether out of faith, historical interest, or simple curiosity, this is a rare occasion to see up close one of the most enigmatic symbols of Portuguese religiosity.
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