Monastery of Alcobaça
Alcobaça, Portugal
18.09.2014
The Alcobaça Monastery - A Masterpiece of Gothic Architecture in Portugal
The Alcobaça Monastery, located in the town of Alcobaça in central Portugal, is one of the most significant and well-preserved examples of Gothic architecture in Europe. It was founded in 1153 by the first King of Portugal, Afonso Henriques, as a symbol of the country's independence and power.
The monastery is dedicated to Saint Bernard of Clairvaux and was built by the Order of Cistercians, a monastic order known for their simplicity and strict adherence to the Rule of Saint Benedict. The Cistercians played a major role in the cultural and economic development of Portugal during the Middle Ages and the Alcobaça Monastery was their most important establishment in the country.
The complex of the Alcobaça Monastery consists of the church, the cloister, and several other buildings, all built in the characteristic Gothic style. The church, which is the largest in Portugal, is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, with its soaring arches, intricate stone carvings, and stunning stained glass windows. The tombs of the first King of Portugal, Afonso Henriques, and his wife, Queen Mafalda, can also be found inside the church.
One of the most remarkable features of the monastery is the kitchen, also known as the "world's largest kitchen" due to its size and impressive architecture. It was built to feed the hundreds of monks and workers who lived in the monastery, and it is believed that it could cook for up to 1,000 people at a time.
The Alcobaça Monastery has a rich history and has witnessed many important events over the centuries. In 1385, it served as a military headquarters during the Battle of Aljubarrota, a decisive moment in the Portuguese struggle for independence. In the 19th century, the monastery was abandoned and fell into disrepair, but it was later restored and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1989.
Today, the Alcobaça Monastery is not only a popular tourist destination but also an active religious community. Visitors can explore the monastery's beautiful architecture and learn about its fascinating history, while also experiencing the peaceful and spiritual atmosphere created by the Cistercian monks who still reside there.
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The Monastery of Santa Maria d'Alcobaça, north of Lisbon, was founded in the 12th century by King Alfonso I. Its size, the purity of its architectural style, the beauty of the materials and the care with which it was built make this a masterpiece of Cistercian Gothic art.
The Alcobaça Monastery or Alcobasa Monastery (Portuguese: Mosteiro de Alcobaça, Mosteiro de Santa Maria de Alcobaça) is a Catholic monastic complex located in the town of Alcobaça (or Alcobasa, Portuguese pronunciation: [alkuˈβasɐ] ), in central Portugal, 120 km (75 mi) north of Lisbon and 110 km (68 mi) south of Coimbra.
The monastery was established in 1153 by the first Portuguese king, Afonso Henriques, and would develop a close association with the Portuguese monarchy throughout its seven-century-long history. This association led to the monastery becoming the richest and most influential in Portugal by 1300, with a population of almost 1,000 monks and business interests including farming, fishing and trade. It closed in 1834, amid the dissolution of the monasteries in Portugal.
The church and monastery were the first Gothic buildings in Portugal, and, together with the roughly older Augustinian Monastery of Santa Cruz in Coimbra, it was one of the most important mediaeval monasteries in Portugal. Due to its artistic, cultural and historical relevance, it was included in UNESCO's World Heritage Site list in 1989.
