Plan a trip to Alcobaca

Alcobaca is set in an agricultural area, surrounded by lush orchards, and is most famous for its outstanding 12th century Santa Maria monastery, a UNESCO site.

Alcobaca is situated in the center of an agricultural area, in the valleys of the Alcoa and Baca Rivers. It is surrounded by lush orchards and best known for its famous monastery, the Mosteiro de Santa Maria de Alcobaca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The monastery, dating back to the 12th century, is a magnificent, well-preserved example of Cistercian architecture – one of the most impressive in Europe. Its medieval church is built in primitive Gothic-style and remains intact.

Portugal’s first king, Alfonso Henriques, founded the monastery in 1153 to celebrate the conquest, and it took close to 100 years to build. The monastery became one of the richest and most powerful in Portugal and was home to close to 1000 monks who took turns holding Mass around the clock. With the monks’ gluttony, particularly, in the 18th century, the religious order was dissolved.

In the 17th and 18th centuries, much of the church’s original façade was modified, but its interior is a well-preserved mix of Gothic and Cistercian styles. The church is home to two richly decorated tombs from the 14th century, commemorating the tragic love story of King Pedro I and his lover, Dona Ines de Castro, which served as an inspiration for many artists, writers, and poets. In addition, the monastery contains the kings’ room, Sala Dos Reis, decorated with 18th century blue and white tiles that tell the history of the monastery, as well as statues of the kings of Portugal. The medieval Gothic style cloister is beautiful, and you can also see the huge 18th century kitchen with a central, tiled chimney and the monks' dining rooms.

The local Cistercian monasteries and convents left their imprint on Alcobaca’s cuisine, especially their sweets. The town is also known for its high quality crystal, earthenware, and porcelain.