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Batalha
Batalha:
Batalha:
Day 1
Day 1
Day 1
Discover the Monastery of Batalha Did you know that it was with the Battle of Aljubarrota (1385) that the Portuguese asserted their nationality? Although this milesone in the History of Portugal has taken place six kilometers away from the center of Alcobaça, this Battle is deeply connected with the construction of Batalha Monastery. But there are way more curiosities to discover in this small village…
The Monastery of Batalha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983, impresses right away thanks to its wide main entrance portico. The tour to this former Dominican monastery begins at the Church, which holds the title of Portugal’s highest church, with 32 meters. Why it is it so high? Because during its construction, in 1386, it was believed that the higher the building, the closer to God. Moreover, it was the first church to be built entirely out of stone and has the
oldest stained-glass windows in the country, dated from the 15th century. According to St. Augustine’s Rules, and like other religious orders, the monks could not have material possessions. However, due to the nonexistent of villages in the immediate surroundings of the monastery that could contribute to their expenses, either through charity or donations, a special permission was asked from the King so they could be granted land in order to survive. The first