Batalha Monastery — Attraction in Batalha

Our visit to Batalha Monastery was an extraordinary family experience, one that we will cherish for years to come. Nestled in the charming town of Batalha, this UNESCO World Heritage site stands as a magnificent testament to Gothic architecture and Portuguese history.

Upon arriving, we were immediately struck by the monastery’s grandeur. The intricate details of the facade, with its ornate carvings and towering spires, left us in awe. As we stepped inside, the vast, serene interior enveloped us in a sense of peace and reverence. The soaring ceilings, elegant arches, and stained glass windows created an atmosphere that was both humbling and inspiring.

One of the highlights of our visit was the Founder's Chapel, where we marveled at the tombs of King João I and Queen Philippa of Lancaster, surrounded by statues of their children. The sense of history was palpable, and we felt a deep connection to Portugal’s past.

The Unfinished Chapels were another unforgettable part of our experience. Walking through these open-air chapels, with their beautifully sculpted, yet incomplete arches, was like stepping into a dream. The blend of Gothic and Manueline styles showcased the incredible craftsmanship of the time.

We also took time to explore the Cloisters of King João I, a tranquil and beautiful area that offered a moment of reflection amidst the stunning architecture. The gardens and the delicate stonework of the cloisters were truly mesmerizing.

Throughout our visit, we were captivated by the stories and history that the Batalha Monastery holds. It was a perfect educational experience for our family, allowing us to learn and appreciate Portugal’s rich cultural heritage together.

Overall, our trip to Batalha Monastery was a remarkable journey through time, filled with awe-inspiring sights and profound moments of connection. It is a destination that we highly recommend to anyone visiting Portugal. We left with our hearts full, and our minds enriched, already planning our next...

The battle of Aljubarrota was the decisive moment in the history of Portugal. The following year the Treaty of Windsor was signed between Portugal and England on 9th May at Windsor and was sealed by the marriage of King Joao to Philippa, daughter of John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster. This is the oldest alliance still in effect between two countries. In 1388, work began on the Mosteiro de Santa Maria de Vitoria, more commonly known as the Mosteiro da Batalha (Battle Abbey). The co-operation between Portugal and England continued with the design of the Church at Batalha, which is in the English Perpendicular style. The tombs of Joao and Philippa, with the couple holding hands, are found in the Capela do Fundador (Founder’s Chapel) along with their four younger sons including Prince Henry the Navigator. The Claustro Real (Royal Cloisters) are a hugely attractive combination of Gothic design and Manueline fine detail. The Salo do Capitulo (Chapter-House) contains the bodies of two Portuguese soldiers who died in World War I, one in Africa, the other in France. This was something I hadn’t appreciated about Portugal, that they’d fought with the allies in WWI - I thought they’d been neutral. The vaulting in this room is outstanding. Apparently, at the third attempt the architect Huguet managed to build a square vault of around 20 metres without any supports. I presumed this meant the first two attempts resulted in a collapsed ceiling and I hoped that no one was hurt. The outside of the monastery is a fine ochre-coloured limestone and there’s no belltower in accordance with the Dominican Rule. The main doorway is a mass of statues with Christ in Majesty, the Evangelists, the Twelve Apostles, and various kings, prophets, and saints in attendance. All in all, Batalha is a bewildering array of architectural delights and history that is worth half-a-day of...

The Monastery of Batalha (Mosteiro da Batalha) is an outstanding and uniquely Portuguese masterpiece, primarily celebrated for its flamboyant Gothic and Manueline architectural styles. Commissioned to commemorate the Portuguese victory at the Battle of Aljubarrota, it stands as a powerful symbol of national independence.

Its most distinctive and truly unique feature is the Unfinished Chapels (Capelas Imperfeitas). This octagonal rotunda, never completed, is open to the sky and features an extraordinary gateway adorned with the most intricate and elaborate Manueline carvings imaginable – a breathtaking, almost lace-like stone work that seems to defy gravity. The sheer detail and the poignant incompleteness of this section are unparalleled.

Beyond this, the monastery boasts the majestic Royal Cloister (Claustro Real), considered a pinnacle of Manueline decoration with its ornate tracery and symbolic motifs. The Founders' Chapel (Capela do Fundador), with its star-vaulted ceiling and the tombs of King John I and Philippa of Lancaster, also adds to its unique historical and architectural grandeur. The Monastery of Batalha is a captivating blend of solemn memorial and unparalleled...