A Photo Diary of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Batalha Monastery
The Monastery of Batalha, also known as the Monastery of Santa Maria da Vitória, is a Dominican convent built to commemorate the victory of the Portuguese over the Castilians in 1385. It is an absolute masterpiece of Gothic art and architecture.
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The building of the monastery also confirmed the consecration of King João I as king of Portugal and the seven reigns of his dynastic successors. There were seven reigns over the course of 200 years as construction continued. And there is still an unfinished chapel from the 16th century.
Above photo: Batalha Monastery
Batalha Monastery is one of several UNESCO World Heritage sites in central Portugal that is often visited as part of a circuit. It is also a compelling reason to road trip through the country and spend time at each location. We visited Batalha on our way from Tomar to Sintra, along with the Alcobaça Monastery.
The various areas of the monastery can be visited in any order. We started with the Imperfect Chapels, and then moved on to the Nave, Founder’s Chapel, Chapter House (no photos, sorry!), Royal Cloister, and Cloister of King Alfonso.
The Imperfect Chapels
The first part of the monastery we visited was the Imperfect Chapels, Capelas Imperfeitas. Building on this part of the monastery began in 1434 on the orders of King Duarte I. After his death in 1438, construction stopped. Even though King Manuel I resumed its building in the early 16th century, it was never quite finished. Today, albeit open air, it is one of two royal pantheons within the monastery.
Above photo: Tomb of King Duarte I and his queen Eleanor of Aragon
The grandeur of the central nave at 32.5 meters and the feelings of awe and wonder that it embodies can hardly be conveyed through photographs. Although, they inspire hundreds of tourists to visit each year to experience it for themselves.
The nave is long, narrow, and high with fluted columns on either side leading up to the choir and altar. It isn’t as ornately decorated as other monasteries and churches we visited. It has a much more somber feel. However, the stained glass windows are gorgeous. When Batalha was built, the art of stained glass was new to Portugal. Hence, these are some of the oldest windows, dating to the 1430s.
Above photos: Southern Transept Portal (Nave Entrance)
Above photos: Nave, Batalha Monastery
Founder’s Chapel
The Founder’s Chapel was the first royal pantheon in Portugal. Built between 1426 and 1434, it consists of three notional bays and a central octagon buttressed by eight piers. The Gothic architecture is stunning and was my favorite part of the monastery. The tomb of King João and his wife Philippa of Lancaster is at the center of the chapel and features their effigies hand-in-hand. It’s remarkable!
Above photos: Joint tomb of King João and his wife Philippa (left); Tomb of Mateus Fernandex, Architect of the Monastery (right)
Above photo: Joint tomb of King João and his wife Philippa
Above photos: Tombs of the sons of King João and Philippa
Above photo: Imaginary altarpiece for the Founder’s Chapel by artist Almada Negreiros (1893-1970)
The Royal Cloister
The Royal Cloister, Claustro Real, was an add-on project started by Afonso Domingues and finished by Huguet. The carved tracery decoration (i.e., the designs in the arched openings) was later introduced by architect Fernao de Evora. The hand washing basin was the work of Mateus Fernandes and consists of a large fountain and two smaller basins above it.
Above photo: The hand-wash basin (left)
The Cloister of King Alfonso
The second cloister at Batalha Monastery was built under the reign of King Alfonso in a conventional Gothic style with double pointed arches. Its simple design is made even plainer if you visit it after the Royal Cloister, which we did. Still, very pretty though.
Above photos: Cloister of King Alfonso V, Batalha Monastery
Tours to Batalha Monastery
Tips for visiting Batalha Monastery
- Tickets can be purchased online in advance at the website for Museums & Monuments of Portugal.
- GPS directions are accurate and parking is plentiful.
- While most of the monastery can be visited through self-guided kiosks, I recommend the audio guide of the Founder’s Chapel. The tombs and artwork are rich in symbolism and fascinating history.
- After visiting the monastery, there is a vibrant artisan market at the adjacent Jardim do Condestável. We found a vendor selling handmade Portuguese bobbin lace table linens:)
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