Monastery of Santa Chiara, Altamura

The Monastery of St. Clare in Altamura ist a significant religious site association with the Order of Saint Clare, a contemplative order of nuns in the Catholic Church. Founded in the 13th century, the monastery ist known for it's historical and architectual value. It features a church with a simple yet elegant design, reflecting the austere lifedstyle of the Poor Clares. Chiara Offreduccio (1194-1253), known as Chiara of Assisi, was one of the first followers of Francis of Assisi. She was born into a wealthy noble family. Inspired by Francis of Assisi, she founded the Order of Poor Ladies who follows a rule of strict poverty. Clare wrote their "Rule of Life", the first set of monastic guidelines known to have been written by a woman. Following her death, the Order she founded was renamed in her honor as the Order of Saint Clare, commonly referred to today as the Poor Clares.

Beautiful monastery