Batalha Monastery - Portugal

Second day of our stay at Alcobaca, we headed out to see Batalha Monastery right after a good breakfast. From our research on the internet, we learnt that half a days sight seeing is adequate for Batalha Monastery. There are frequent buses from Alcobaca to Batalha. So we boarded one and excited to see another great Monastery...
The distance was about 22 kms. in the north westerly direction, and the bus stop is quite close to Batalha monastery. As you are nearing the destination, you will see the spires and towers looming into the sky and your pulse quickens.  
As per UNESCO.org:
 The Monastery of the Dominicans of Batalha was built to commemorate the victory of the Portuguese over the Castilians at the battle of Aljubarrota in 1385. It was to be the Portuguese monarchy's main building project for the next two centuries. Here a highly original, national Gothic style evolved, profoundly influenced by Manueline art, as demonstrated by its masterpiece, the Royal Cloister.
 Constructed in fulfilment of a vow by King João to commemorate the victory over the Castilians at Aljubarrota (15 August 1385), the Dominican Monastery of Batalha, in the centre of Portugal, is one of the masterpieces of Gothic art. The greater part of the monumental complex dates from the reign of João I (1385-1433), when the church (finished in 1416), the royal cloister, the chapter-house, and the funeral chapel of the founder were constructed.

 

Front view of the monastery

 

Unfinished chapels

 

It was the first time I was the flying buttresses for real. We had studied them I history of architecture while in college. This was a real treat

 

Founder's chapel

 

Buttresses supporting the external wall

          Main entrance                        Statues of Apostles on entrance portal

Built of limestone, originally, with time, became yellow ochre.

 

                             Main entrance from inside               Looking at the altar 

It is long and narrow church, measuring 22m in length and 32.4m in height. The cluster columns are a feast to the eyes.

           Beautiful Keystones in the roof                                         Tomb of John and Philippa

      

                        Stained glass window       Compound Cluster columns and ribbed vaulted roof

  

King John 1 Cloisters of Monastery

  

Exquisite Tracery work in arches in the cloisters of the monastery, over looking the central courtyard.

   

            Manueline arches in Unfinished chapels       Portal of the Unfinished Chapels

  

A very well maintained architectural wonder, it is a must visit place if you are visiting Portugal. Do keep half a day for the enjoyment of the beauty and serenity of this monastery at Batalha.

Mosteiro de Santa Maria de Alcobaca - Alcobaca Monastery

Mosteiro de Santa Maria de Alcobaca or the Alcobaca Monastery dominates the surroundings. There is enough open space on all three sides to really appreciate the gigantic Church and monastery. The scale and form are a true architectural wonder. Cannot even imagine that this structure has been built in 1153 AD. It was founded by the first Portuguese King Afonso Henriques. 

It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

It was the first church to be built in early Gothic style. Subsequently different styles were added to it. The church is 106 m long, 17 m wide, and internal height of 20 m. Because of these dimensions, Alcobaca Monastery is the largest Churches in Portugal, even to date.

 

Window detail on bell tower and the plan showing the layout of the Alcobaca church and Monstery

 

Main entrance to the church and main entrance to Monastery

It was the first time I had seen a real Gothic church built during that period. The size and grandeur took my breath away.

  

Main entrance door

 

Corinthian column capitals in Bell tower

Refectory

 

Refecory

 

Huge chimney in the kitchen

 

Stone table for preparation of food in the kitchen

 

Plumbing system in the kitchen, Inlet and outlet

 

Dormitory on the first floor

 

Fountain house and the courtyard

Courtyard with cloister around it

 

Dome over main chapel

Main chapel

Base of cluster columns in the Church and the central nave

 

Tomb of King Pedro and Inez de Castro

 

Chapter house and Manueline doorway to Sacristy

Alcobaca - A quaint town in Portugal

 Obidos, Alcobaca, Beltalha, and Leiria  are all close to each other. So, we decided to find a central location to stay and visit these places. As per the location and budget, we booked inot Hostel of Alcobaca. It was for 3 nights. During those three days, we went in and out of Alcobaca a few times. The area near the Monastery is the old town and the rest away from it is relatively newer.

There is a huge square in front of the monastery, lined by bakeries, resaurants, banks and other tourist attractions. Jo is peeping from behind the sculpture here.

 River Alcobaca passes through the town. Quaint bridges over it to go across.

 

It is a quiet town, at least the old part of the town, which suited us best. Few cars or vehicles were plying on these roads. The curving roads paved with cobble stones, and two or three storied buildings lining them is a treat to watch.

   

One can see that some of the buildings are vacant and are in need of urgent repairs. They are very well proportioned with beautiful windows and doorways.

 

 

Some buildings are well maintained as well. There is contrasting architectural styles of the old and new structures. They stand side by side and somehow there is a harmony in spite of the difference in styles and periods they were built in.Close to the bus stand and in the centre of the town square is a huge park where there are benches, lawns and exercise equipment id installed. The town people can get their daily exercise on the way to or from work, if they so desire. I found it totally motivating!

 

The bus stand is centrally located and we could walk to the hostel with our luggage quite easily. We noticed that there is good bus connectivity to other towns from Alcobaca. There are parks, squares, educational buildings, and commercial complexes in Alcobaca. This place is ideal for those who want peace and be away from the hustle and bustle of a big city. We loved it for the same reasons.