Batalha - Mosteiro de Santa Maria da Vitória

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Mosteiro de Santa Maria da Vitoria Description

The abbey at Batalha, one of the largest and most important in Portugal, is protected by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage building.

Origins

Batalha Abbey, the Mosteiro de Santa Maria da Vitória, on the north side of town, was founded in 1388 by King Jao I in fulfilllment of a vow he had made on August 14th 1385, at the beginning of the battle of Aljubarrota, in which he defeated King Juan I of Castile and re-established Portuguese independence. Hence the name "Battle Abbey", or Mosteiro da Batalha as it is usually called.

History

The Abbey's first architect, who was responsible for the overall plan, was Afonso Domingues who by the time of his death in 1402 had completed the church choir and nave, the

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Hobbies & Activities category: UNESCO World Heritage Site

Mosteiro de Santa Maria da Vitoria Highlights

Abbey Church

The church, built during the reign of Joao I, is a finely conceived example of the noblest Gothic style. Particularly notable are the west front with its rich sculptural decoration (partly restored

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Equestrian Statue

The equestrian statue placed before the southern facade of the church in 1961 is of Nuno Alvares Pereira, Joao I's commander at the battle of Aljubarrota.

Unfinished Chapels

The Unfinished Chapels, the Capelas Imperfeitas, were built on to the east end of the church in the reigns of Duarte and Manuel I in the richest Manueline style. Surrounding a central octagon are

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Royal Cloister

On the north side of the Abbey Church is the Royal Cloister, the Claustro Real, a masterpiece of Portuguese Gothic with its richly decorated arcades overlooking a garden-like courtyard. Here can be

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Chapterhouse

The Chapterhouse, on the east side of the Claustro Real, has an imposing doorway and fine stained glass depicting the Passion of Christ. The tomb of two unknown soldiers from the First World War has a permanent guard of honor.

Claustro de Dom Afonso V

A doorway at the northwest corner of the Claustro Real gives access to the Claustro de Dom Afonso V, with simple double windows and a plain pillared gallery (15th C.) on the upper floor. To the

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Fountain House

In the northwest corner of the Claustro Real is the chapel-like fountain-house, from which there are attractive glimpses of the abbey.

Museum of the Unknown Soldier

The former Refectory, on the west side of the cloister beyond the fountain house, now houses the Museum of the Unknown Soldier, and in the monks' cellar various architectural items are on display

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Address

Mosteiro de Santa Maria da Vitória
Largo de Santa Maria da Vitória
2440-109 Batalha
Batalha
Portugal

Hours

April 1 to September 30

Open	9:00	9:00	9:00	9:00	9:00	9:00	9:00
Closed	18:00	18:00	18:00	18:00	18:00	18:00	18:00

October 1 to March 31

Open	9:00	9:00	9:00	9:00	9:00	9:00	9:00
Closed	17:00	17:00	17:00	17:00	17:00	17:00	17:00

Always closed on:
New Year's Day (January 1) Easter - Christian May Day / Labor Day (May 1) Christmas - Christian (December 25) Christmas Eve - Christian (December 24)