A history of more than 400 years

The Clarisas Sacred Art Museum of Monforte de Lemos opened in 1977 as a result of the combined efforts of Manuel Chamoso Lamas and Manuel Casamar. This was also possible thanks to the praiseworthy preservation work undertaken over centuries by the Clarisas nuns of the Immaculate Conception convent. This event marked the inauguration, under a new museology, of the extensive collection of devotional objects and pieces of art stored in the convent. It was a result of the patronage and protection of its main benefactor: Doña Catalina de la Cerda y Sandoval.

During the viceregal government in Naples of the VII Counts (1610–1616), Doña Catalina de la Cerda y Sandoval starts assembling the exquisite collection of relics and other artistic and devotional objects. Among the pieces gathered are paintings, sculptures, ceroplastics and textiles, as well as an extensive collection of relics and other items used in religious worship. In later years, various objects from the ducal family of Lerma and the House of Lemos were added to this extensive collection of Italian pieces.

In October of 1622, the Counts of Lemos founded the Clarisas Convent of Monforte de Lemos. They added a large selection of items of Italian origin to the house. For the most part, their transfer was made possible, thanks to the permission granted by the Holy See, which responded affirmatively to the repeated requests made by the countess.