Visit to Batalha Monastery, Portugal
Batalha Monastery in Portugal is an incomplete monastery, yet in its incomplete state the monastery is incredible! The history associated with this monastery and the sculpted carvings are outstanding. Batalha Monastery is a symbol of victory!
History of Batalha Monastery
This monastery was built by King Joao in 1385. It was built in the 14th and 15th centuries to commemorate the victory of the Portuguese over the Castilians in the Battle of Aljubarrota in 1385.
In the Battle of Aljubarrota, where his defeat seemed imminent by Castilians, his prayers to Virgin Mary sailed him through victoriously. This victory is important in the history of Portugal as it resulted in independence of Portugal from Spain.
The construction went on for two centuries (1388 to 1533) by 15 architects and under the reign of several kings. It is a mix of two architectural styles: Gothic and Manueline. Yet, the dream monastery couldn’t be completed. The workers were called away to build Jeronimos Monastery in Lisbon.
Batalha Monastery Portugal
Is Monastery of Batalha in Portugal worth visiting?
For tourists in Portugal those who are history buffs, architecture lovers and/or spiritually inclined, Batalha Monastery is worth including in their Portugal itinerary. For UNESCO site lovers like me, Batalha monastery is a must see heritage site in Portugal. Here is why Batalha Monastery is special:
- The Batalha Monastery in Portugal is considered one of the greatest examples of Gothic architecture in the country.
- The monastery is known for its elaborate decoration, including detailed stone carvings and intricate stained glass windows.
- It is also home to the tomb of King João I, who ordered the construction of the monastery.
Batalha Monastery Architecture
What to See in Mosteiro da Batalha
The arch over the door is decorated with statues of twelve apostles. The stained glass window here is the largest in Portuguese Gothic architecture.
There are a series of tombs in the Founder’s Chapel to the right of entrance. It contains the tombs of King Joao I and his Queen Phillipa, their stone effigies depict entwined hands. Their son Prince Henry’s tomb is nearby.
There is one more couple tomb, that of D. Duarte and his wife Leonor, laying hand in hand in one of the chapels in the monastery. Interesting to note how they depict relations in death!
The Square Chapter house in the Royal Cloister is a beautiful place to walk through. It is the lace like work in limestone that holds your attention. They seem like snowflakes, only difference that they are of stone and large in size. This part of the tour takes up much of your time, and chances are you will want to linger on, not wanting to come out.
There are several names associated with this grand architecture; some of them rest in peace here. At the end mind gets loaded with too many names. There is a Change of Guard event inside the monastery, which we missed unfortunately.
The equestrian statue of Nuno Alvares was unveiled in 1968. He fought with King Joao I in the battle of Aljubarrota.
The impressive facade of Batalha Monastery
Batalha Monastery Timings and Ticket price
Individual Tickets 6 euros.
Family Ticket, Student Card and visitors aged 65 and above 50%
Free entry on Sunday 9AM to 2 PM.
Closed on 1st Jan, Easter, 1st May and 25th December.
Location of Batalha Monastery
The distance from Alcobaca Monastery is 22 km. Drive from Lisbon (122 km) can take one and half hours.
How much time is required to see Batalha Monastery?
This really depends on how much time one wants to spend exploring the site! Basic visit, like we made, will take around two hours. You can cover main features of the building such as the main chapel, the cloisters, and the Royal Pantheon. I did some quick photography of the monastery and set off for Tomar, the next part of our road trip through Portugal.
But the luckier ones among you readers with ample time in hand take your time to explore the intricate details and decorations of the monastery; it can take up to 3 to 4 hours. Batalha Monastery is an impressive and large structure with a lot of things to explore.
What else to see in Batalha
Besides being famous for the monastery, Batalha has other interesting places to visit. Here isa list of tourist attractions in Batalha:
The 14th century Royal Palace of Batalha, this had served as a residence for the Portuguese monarchy. It is located next to the monastery, open to the public not as a palace but as a museum.
The Gothic Chapel located within the monastery and is known for its ornate decoration and intricate stone carvings.
The Unfinished Chapels with origin in 15th century which are evidences of the building techniques of the time.
The Battle of Aljubarrota Visitor Centre, dedicated to the Battle of Aljubarrota, which was fought in the 14th century between Portugal and Spain. It features interactive exhibits and a short film about the battle.
The Batalha Cultural Centre: If your visit is timed well you can see events conducted here. This cultural center hosts a variety of exhibitions, events, concerts, plays, and art shows throughout the year.
The Batalha town centre features a variety of restaurants, cafes, and shops where visitors can explore and discover the local culture. We explored the little shops for souvenirs.
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Here is a pinnable image for Batalha Monastery of Portugal. You can save it to your collections for making a good plan to visit it.
Truly incredible! 2 centuries were petty long time and the thing itself make feel how remarkable the structure has to be. The detail on the arched gateway and many other aches were spellbinding
Magnificent! Wonderful photos!
Lovely arches.. I love the amalgam of the two styles. 🙂
Gorgeous monastery! I love all the details.
Gorgeous details!
I’m not surprise the construction went on for two centuries, it’s huge!
Wren x
Great capture, Indrani.
I know a person who never completes any building. He always left some part incomplete. Someone told him that the day he’ll complete all his buildings, his work on earth will be over. He is in education business. He built many colleges but some portions are unfinished in each one.
By looking at the pictures it gave me a feel of Gothic style. Then I read the article, & I was right! 🙂
And I love stained glasses, anywhere. 🙂
Interesting article. The architecture is lovely.
This incompleteness looks beautiful. So idea is to visit it on Sunday 🙂 Thanks for lovely post !
Hello, I can not imagine it being unfinished. It is just beautiful. A beautiful monastery. Thanks for sharing your visit. Enjoy your new week ahead!
Really interesting architecture,explains the time taken
Can’t even guess which part is incomplete, it looks so compelling!
The sculpted ceilings and arches are just beautiful. Lovely account of the same.
two centuries and incomplete…kahi iska tender humare India ke Pwd department ko toh nahi diya tha!!! LOLS
seriously, this incomplete structure looks magnificent!!
Ha ha that was hilarious Sushmita 🙂
The monastery looks so beautiful. A great post 🙂
Magnificent !! The monastery and its architechture unbelievable ! The interiors and carvings too besutiful..
Wonderful Gothic architecture. Nice frames, Indrani.
Very old but beautiful one 🙂
Beautiful shots..
Your posts are making me want to make a trip to Portugal. Seriously. Will make you plan my itinerary as well 🙂
Beautiful arches. Nice blending of the two styles.
Amazing place. Anything that’s take centuries to build is beyond imagination. Beautiful pictures.
This is a beautiful one… can you believe I have never visited one?
Looks beautiful. The couple tomb sounds unique.
Beautiful place..
It is AWESOME!! And your captures are superb as always, Indrani!! An incredible place that I would love to visit!! Thank you so much — as always — for sharing the wonder, the beauty and the history with us today!! Have a great week!
Fabulous!
Amazing, Beautiful photos