Queen Saint Isabel symbol of charity diplomacy, conciliation and works of mercy is an emblematic figure in the history of Coimbra

His life marked by devotion and generosity is a symbol of compassion and social transformation

Among the many stories about his life the legend of the Miracle of the Roses stands out

The Queen distributed alms and bread to those in need Legend has it that King Dom Dinis upon being informed of the Queen's charitable actions and their cost to royalty decided to surprise her on one of her usual walks Suspicious he asked her what she was carrying in her lap To which the Queen replies: “They are Roses, sir!”

Hesitantly since January was not the season for roses he forced her to open her cloak and show what she was hiding To everyone's amazement and by a miracle the bread he was hiding had turned into roses

This miracle helped to reinforce his reputation for holiness

Isabel was born in Zaragoza was promised in marriage to the King of Portugal when she was still a child and was crowned queen at the age of 12 He showed great devotion to the poor founded hospitals and inns throughout the country endowed young maidens and protected women from destitution

After the death of King Dinis he retired to a small palace built near the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-VEHlya where he remained until his death in 1336 If the legend of the Miracle of the Roses has already aroused your curiosity a visit to the Monastery can reveal secrets that words cannot describe Coimbra preserves the memory of the queen who turned bread into roses and those who venture to follow the path she followed will find a world of living stories and eternal inspirations