Batalha Battle - Monastery (Batalha): the Santa Maria da Vitória Monastery was built because of a vow that D. João I made to the Virgin, in case he won the Aljubarrota Battle against the Castilians. Elected World Heritage by UNESCO this is the big Portuguese final Gothic monument and its construction began in 1388.
On the portal one can see Apostles, Prophets, Angels and Christ surrounded by the four evangelists. On the Fundador Chapel, visitors can find the tombs of D. João I, D.ª Filipa de Lencastre and her child.
You cannot leave this Monastery without seeing the glass windows representing the Visitation, the Magi Worship, the Run Away to Egypt and the Christs Resurrection scenes. On the exterior the highlights are the gargoyles, salient gutters located on the high zone of the walls.
This is, definitely, one of the most beautiful Gothic monuments in all Portugal and of all Humanity.
Alcobaças Monastery (Alcobaça): set on the fertile valley of the Alcoa and Baça rivers, this monastery appears following D. Afonso Henriquess vow. He promised the Monastery donation to the Císter Order when he conquered Santarém to the Moors.
From the original Baroque façade with two majestic towers only remain the portal, the rose window and the two big windows.
On the lateral chapels of the transept there are the D. Pedro I and D.ª Inês de Castro tombs, two magnificent medieval sculpture formations. The transept gives access to the Tombs Room of D. Afonso II, D. Afonso III, their wives and some infants.
The convent dependencies are located around the Cloister: the Chapter Room, the Monks Room, the 18th century kitchen and the mess hall.
On Kingdoms Room, one can see rich tile panels and clay statues of Portuguese monarchs. |