The Monastery of Batalha is a unique example of Portuguese architecture from the Middle Ages. It is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This is not only an important architectural object, but also a symbol of Portuguese independence.
History of the monastery
Juan I - King of Portugal, in 1386 laid the foundation for the construction of the monastery of Batalha. The story goes that on the eve of the battle of Aljubarrota, the king made a vow to the Virgin Mary - to erect a monastery in her honor in case of victory.
A miracle happened, and the king was able to win despite his small army. This battle was of particular importance for all of Portugal. After all, the independence of the state depended on its outcome. Not surprisingly, the construction of the promised monastery was soon begun.
The monastery was completely completed only in 1517. It was designed by different architects, and over the entire period of its construction, six kings have changed - all of them rest in the tomb of the monastery.
In 1755, the building was partlydestroyed by an earthquake, but most of all it suffered during the war with Napoleon - it was looted and burned.
In 1840, large-scale restoration work began, and in 1980 the monastery was opened to the general public as a national museum.
Architecture features and attractions of the monastery
From the platform in front of the western facade offers a magnificent view of the monastery. Here you can appreciate its scale, as well as admire the exquisite lace carvings on the windows and walls.
The portal on the south side is an example of typical medieval architecture. There are carved coats of arms of its creators and a huge window - the largest in the Gothic architecture of the country.
On both sides of the main entrance there are sculptures of 12 apostles standing on consoles decorated with stone lace. In the center of the composition is the Savior, surrounded by evangelists, above whom rise vaults with figures of kings from the Bible, prophets and angels. Significant in the sculptural composition is the scene of the coronation of the Virgin Mary.
On the right side of the entrance is an octagonal chapel built in the 15th century. It is the resting place of King João I and his wife Queen Philippa. Their tomb became the first marital tomb in the history of Portugal. Their sons rest within the walls of the chapel, including Prince Henry the Navigator, who also took part in the construction.
The interior of the monastery is a prime example of Gothic architecture. The aisles and nave are separated by powerfulcolumns, on which floral ornaments and patterns flaunt, on the windows there are beautiful stained-glass windows of the 16th century, filling the interior with multi-colored highlights - this creates a special spiritual atmosphere in the temple.
On the square in front of the monastery, there is a monument to Alvares Pereira, the commander who became a national hero of Portugal. Under his leadership, the battle of Aljubarrota was won.
At night, the monastery changes its appearance - dozens of spotlights turn on, in the light of which the monastery seems even more majestic and brighter.
How to get to the monastery?
Address of Batalha Monastery: Portugal, Leiria, Batalha, 2440. To get to the monastery, you must first get to the city of Batalha. It is located approximately 120 km north of Lisbon.
So, there are several ways to get to Batalha:
- By train - trains run from the station in Porto to Coimbra, and from there by bus to the city of Leiria. The whole journey will take about 3 hours. A train from Porto leaves every hour and the ticket price is about 15 euros. In Coimbra, you need to change to the Leiria bus (the bus also leaves every hour). The fare is about 18 euros. In Leiria, you need to make another transfer to Batalha. The ticket price will be about 7 euros. Children under 4 travel free of charge.
- By bus - on the route Lisbon - Batalha there is a bus three times a day. Travel time is about 2 hours, and the ticket will cost 13 euros per person. The bus station is located in the center of Lisbon, nearbyfrom Sete Rios station. You can get to it by metro - to the Zardim Zoologico station.
- By car - you can rent a car in Portugal. This is convenient and allows you to advance along the desired route at any time. The distance between Batalha and Lisbon is 140 km. It's about 1.5 hours drive and fuel consumption is 30 euros. A taxi will cost 100 euros.
Ticket price
- The cost of a ticket for one adult is 6 euros.
- Ticket to three monasteries (Bataglia, Alcobaça and Order of Christ) - 15 euros.
- For people over 65 years old, as well as for people with disabilities, a 50% discount is provided.
- For a family of three or more people (i.e. two adults and a child), a 50% discount is provided.
- You can also purchase a family ticket (for 4 or more people) with a 50% discount when providing documents confirming kinship.
- The same 50% discount is available to students with a certificate.
- On the first Sunday of each month admission is free for individuals and groups of up to 12 people.
- Free admission is also available to members of APOM/ICOM and ICOMOS, researchers, art critics, guides, representatives of the tourism industry when visiting for work-related reasons, upon presentation of a document, sponsors, children under 12 years old, visitors with handicapped.
Working hours
The monastery is open for visits:
- from October to March - from 9:00 to 18:00;
- from April toSeptember - from 9:00 to 18:30;
- non-working days - January 1, Easter Day, May 1, December 24 and 25.
Reviews and tips from visitors
The fact that this is a truly fantastic sight - the monastery of Batalha, the reviews of tourists who have already visited it confirm. After all, it gives the impression of a large-scale, but thought out to the smallest detail and details of the structure. This place is definitely recommended to visit - it is not in vain that it is included in the list of 100 wonders of the world.
In some of the evenings, a light show takes place on the wall of the monastery, which lasts about 15 minutes and looks unusual and beautiful. It is better to visit the monastery accompanied by a guide or guide - this way you will be able to notice the smallest details, learn interesting facts and immerse yourself in history. For example, inside is the tomb of the Portuguese Romeo and Juliet.
For Russian-speaking tourists, a kiosk inside the monastery will be a pleasant discovery, where you can buy brochures with information about the monastery in your native language (in case of a visit without a guide), and all kinds of memorable souvenirs are sold there.
The Monastery of Batalha in Portugal is an amazing creation of human hands. This is a grand structure that everyone who happened to be in this country should see.
