Monastery of Batalha
Batalha, Portugal
18.09.2014
The Batalha Monastery: A Treasure of Portuguese Gothic Architecture
The Batalha Monastery is a magnificent architectural masterpiece located in the town of Batalha, Portugal. It was founded by King João I of Portugal in 1386 to commemorate the victory of the Portuguese over the Castilians in the Battle of Aljubarrota. Construction of the monastery spanned over two centuries and it became one of the most important religious and cultural institutions in Portugal.
The town of Batalha itself has a rich history, dating back to the Roman Empire. It was also a strategic location during the Reconquista, a period of time in which the Christian kingdoms of the Iberian Peninsula were gradually conquering Muslim-ruled territories. The Battle of Aljubarrota was a decisive moment in this ongoing conflict and the Batalha Monastery was built as a symbol of the Portuguese nation's victory.
The monastery is a stunning example of Gothic architecture, with its intricate carvings, detailed sculptures, and soaring vaulted ceilings. The most notable feature of the monastery is the Founder's Chapel, which houses the tombs of King João I and his wife, Queen Philippa of Lancaster. The chapel is a masterpiece of Manueline style, a unique Portuguese interpretation of late Gothic architecture.
Throughout its history, the Batalha Monastery has been a center of cultural and religious importance. In the 15th and 16th centuries, it was a place of pilgrimage for many Portuguese nobles and kings. It was also a significant site for the Order of Saint Dominic, a Catholic religious order, which played an important role in the development of the monastery.
The Batalha Monastery was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, recognizing its outstanding universal value and its significance in Portuguese history and culture. Today, it is open to the public and visitors can explore the monastery's impressive architecture, beautiful gardens, and rich history.
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The Monastery of the Dominicans of Batalha was built to commemorate the victory of the Portuguese over the Castilians at the battle of Aljubarrota in 1385. It was to be the Portuguese monarchy's main building project for the next two centuries. Here a highly original, national Gothic style evolved, profoundly influenced by Manueline art, as demonstrated by its masterpiece, the Royal Cloister.
The Monastery of Batalha (Portuguese: Mosteiro da Batalha) is a Dominican convent in the municipality of Batalha, historical Beira Litoral province, in the Centro of Portugal. Originally, and officially, known as the Monastery of Saint Mary of the Victory (Portuguese: Mosteiro de Santa Maria da Vitória), it was erected in commemoration of the 1385 Battle of Aljubarrota and would serve as the burial church of the 15th-century Aviz dynasty of Portuguese royalty. It is one of the best and original examples of Late Flamboyant Gothic architecture in Portugal, intermingled with the Manueline style.
The monastery is a historic and cultural monument and was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983.
