Plan a trip to Batalha

To commemorate the victory and to fulfil his promise to the Virgin Mary, King Joao I built the magnificent Mosteiro de Batalha. Until this day, the monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is considered the grandest monastery in Portugal and one of the greatest masterpieces of Gothic art. 

The monastery took over a century to build, beginning in 1386 and ending around 1517, spanning the rule of seven kings. Its architecture is late Gothic mixed with Manueline influences, and its enormity is truly awe-inspiring. The exterior of the church is golden honey in color, with towering spires, ornamental elevations, and carved windows – all of which stand out among the town’s green fields. King Joao and his wife, Filipa de Lancaster, are both buried here. In the Capela do Fundador, the beautiful octagonal chapel, there are statues lying hand in hand next to the graves of the monarch’s four sons.

The monastery’s unfinished chapel, the Capela Imperfeitos, is considered the most impressive part of the complex with its magnificent Manueline features and almost 50 foot high entrance gate with intricate carvings. The curved assembly hall contains the graves of the unknown soldiers who were killed in later battles.

The monastery is the main attraction of Batalha, but it is a tranquil town, perfect for relaxation and as a base for sightseeing nearby attractions.