mosteiro da batalha (mosteiro de santa maria da vitória)

I think this is a fantastic building and well worth a visit if your passing near. There are lots of restaurants and cafe's nearby and a few interesting shops.

The mosteiro da Batalha is historic and achitectonic one of the most important places in Portugal. King Joao I dedicated this mosteiro to the Holy Mary after his victory in the battle (batalha de Aljubarrota) against the Spaniards in 1385. It is an impressive complex as well from distance as inside.There are several sections to the building. First the church which includes the pantheon for Joao I and his wife and sons. The other section are the 2 claustros of which the Claustro Real is probably the most beautiful part of the mosteiro and finally there is the never finished " capelas imperfeita" meant to be a pantheon for Eduard I. The latter building is an octogonal construction with delicate decoration. Unfortunately, after about 150 years of working on the mosteiro the works were stopped during early 16 century, this in favor of the Mosteiro des Jeronimos in Belem.To complement a visit to the mosteiro those interested should drive about 10 km to the place where the battle actually took place and where stands now a beautiful modern audiovisual centrum explaining the Batalha of Aljubarrota.

This was part of a tour and we also had lunch here,,, A very impressive building but the over all view is marred by the centuries of pollution and the unfinished chapel.. still well worth seeiing....

We visited the monastery in Batalha en route from Lisbon to Porto. This was a well-deserved stop. We didn't need more than an hour to appreciate the church as well as the cloisters, but it was worth it nonetheless. If you are able to, tie it in with a visit to the monastery in Alcobaca (only 30 minutes away).

These two remarkable places were included in our day tour from Lisbon. When the Batalha Monastery appeared in front of the car after the turn it took my breath away. It was so beautiful that I thought it could not be built by a human hand. It looked like a lace made of stone. It is built in honor of the great battle won by Portugal. Incredible architecture, a mix of different styles, as our guide, Nuno from Around Lisbon Company, explained in details (he is very familiar with architecture styles and Portuguese history). Many Portuguese architects, craftsmen and masons worked many years and the result is spectacular.The Alcobaca Monastery looked differently. It is situated in the town of Alcobaca – very pleasant and calm place located on two rivers. Our guide Nuno had chosen а very interesting route to get to the monastery – we walked parallel to the monastery walls, then passed several small streets and suddenly we saw the main entrance just in front of us. It was unforgettable view. The town was in silence and looking at the remarkable building I remembered the beautiful love story of King Pedro and Dona Ines which coffins are in this monastery. This monument had very important role in Portugal history and culture.

In February its really fantastic, no queue, you can be alone and appreciate all you want, I would advise reading information before you visit it, as it has lots of history. A guide can give you only what they intend. The unfinished chapels are a must, the sculptures here are far more beautiful than in the interior. Richer than the Alcobaça monastery. Each colum needs special observation. so also the clausters.

This monastery/ cathedral is one of the most beautiful in the world. The architecture is magnificent, the best of Manueline-Gothic.It looks like lace made in stoneA real must to any traveler to Portugal

The church is free to enter, and the vaulted ceiling and accoustics are overwhelming. The whole architectural experience is simply stunning, and it is well worth the small amount to pay to look around the monastery.There was a strong military presence when we were there, with armed sentinels standing to attention either side of the tomb of the unknown soldier in the Chapter House. The gardens and bath house are remarkable, and it is worth looking for the "secret staircase" that leads from the first floor down to the bath houseThe unfinished chapel is magnificent, and it is only by walking in that you can fathom how it was intended to be completed.To the front courtyard is a massive bronze statue of General Nuno Alvares Pereira , who is credited for decimating the Castliians. Legend states that if the horse of such a statue is rearing (both front legs in the air), the rider died in battle; one front leg up means the rider was wounded in battle or died of battle wounds; and if all four hooves are on the ground, the rider died outside battle. In this instance, one leg is lifted, therefore I presume he was wounded in the battle.The main portal is a marvel of intricate carvings, and the family crypts are awe inspiring. Along with Fatima and Alocbaca, Batalha represents the might of the old Portugal and is well worth the visitThere are some great restaurants/cafes in the square facing the monastery

You can visit the church for free, but you will miss out if you stop here. Pay the entrance and go in. It is beautiful, surprising and moving! The unfinished chapels were incredible...and to think we almost gave them a miss!?!

This is a grand and imposing structure. I was wondering how they got to build it during those times when almost everything was done manually.

Must see. An amazing monastery. I really appraciated the visit to this place both the catedral and the cloister.Take the audio guide.

An amazing building. Incredible architecture and attention to details. The stain glass give holly light into the church offering an unique site.Amasing place!!!

The admission fee is very little and worth it. You can also get an audio device in your own language for free, to carry round with you which gives details of everything. Just ask. You will need id to get the audio.The monastery is huge and breathtaking. The stained glass windows really are georgeous with the sunlight streaming through. There is so much history attached to this place, it's incredible.The different pillars, the soldiers in the area of the tomb of the unknown soldiers, everything so remarkable.

Pay the admission and see it all. This place is immense. The small chapel beside the church was especially beautiful. Fabulous architecture. Do see the unfinished chapels. Worth a detour.

Worth buying a ticket to get access to whole Monastery, video and attractions ...watch out for the soldiers, they are real !!