Monastery of Batalha

Batalha

The Monastery of Santa Maria da Vitória, also known as the Monastery of Batalha, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful works of Portuguese and European architecture.

This exceptional architectural ensemble resulted from the fulfillment of a promise made by King D. João I, in gratitude for the victory in Aljubarrota, a battle fought on August 14, 1385, which assured him the throne and guaranteed the independence of Portugal.

The works lasted for more than 150 years, through various construction phases. This duration justifies the existence, in its artistic proposals, of (predominant) Manueline Gothic solutions and a brief Renaissance note. Several additions were introduced in the initial project, resulting in a vast monastic complex that currently has a church, two cloisters with annexes and two royal pantheons, the Founder's Chapel and the Imperfect Chapels.