The Batalha Monastery in Portugal is considered one of the country's architectural masterpieces and has been listed on the Unesco world Heritage. Its Gothic style and Manueline influenced decors are worth a visit. Below is my guide to help you plan your visit.
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Why visit the Monastery of Batalha - Video
The Batalha monastery is one of the most magnificent buildings in Portugal.
Its gothic structure has been well preserved and it is complimented by extra builds in Manueline style.
During this easy visit, you will marvel at the structure and at the many delicate carvings.
No wonder is is a Unesco World Heritage site.
Visiting the Batalha Monastery, Portugal
Below is a short video to give you an idea of what it looks like to visit the Monastery of Batalha Portugal.
Can you see why it is included in my list of the top things to do in Portugal?
More photos of the different sections of the monastery after the planning tips section.
PLANNING TIPS - Batalha Monastery Portugal
How to get to Batalha Monastery Portugal
- In the town of Batalha, North of Lisbon
- Lisbon to Batalha - 1h40 drive
- Obidos to Batalha - 45 min drive
- Part of the loop with the Alcobaca Monastery and the Convento de Cristo Tomar
This monastery with its GPS coordinates and planning info is included in the eBook:
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Visiting the Monastery of Batalha
- Batalha Monastery Opening Hours: 9am to 5:30pm (Oct to Mar) - 9am to 6:30pm (Apr to Sept) - Closed on some public holidays
- Batalha Monastery prices - 6€ entrance ticket
- Keep your ticket with you as you need it 3 times: to access the Founder's Chapel, the cloisters and the unfinished chapels
- Plan 2 hours to tour all the sections, more if you get the audio guide
- Easy walking, not many steps
- Check out the best rated accommodations in Batalha
Day trip from Lisbon
Batalha is a fantastic place to visit on a day trip from Lisbon:
- If you don't want to drive, you can join small group tours combining other great historical places in the region - check out the program and book
- Or you can book a private tour for more flexibility
Approaching the Monastery façade
From the outside, you approach the Monastery from a large walking square. Signs can be found outside with some explanations about the Monastery and its history.
The entrance is via the church. The front door is impressive with a lot of sculptures and carvings including angels and the 12 apostles.
Every single piece of sculpture is detailed and symbolic. I could have spent a full hour just on the façade, but I had to move on... lol
Map and Facts of Batalha Monastery in Portugal
A brief history
Before I lead you inside the famous building, here are a few facts about the monastery:
- The monastery of Batalha (Mosteiro da Batalha) is also called Monastery of Santa Maria da Vitoria
- Its name means Monastery of the Battle because it was built to represent the victory of the Portuguese troops at the Battle of Aljubarrota in 1385
- Built in the 14th century and modified through to the 16th century
- Its original Gothic styled evolve to incorporate the Manueline art (as you will see in the magnificent Royal Cloister)
- Added to the Unesco World heritage list in 1983, it is one of the most visited monuments in Portugal
Map
Below is the map of the things to do in the Batalha monastery, the different sections to visit: You enter via the nave of the church, you can visit the 2 square cloisters and the round unfinished chapels.
Batalha Monastery Map
The church
You first enter via the church. Entrance to this section is free.
You can purchase your tickets inside to explore further.
The church is quite narrow, which makes it look even taller (32.4 meter in height vs 22m in width). It is not heavily decorated. It remains simple with beautiful carvings and elegant stained-glass windows.
The founder's Chapel
At the end of the nave you can visit the Founder's chapel. It was built in the 15th century as a pantheon of King Joao I and the Avis Dynasty.
Originally, it had a pyramidal roof. But It collapsed during the Earthquake of 1755.
In the center is the Tomb of King Joao I and his wife, who reigned during the 14th and 15th centuries)
Don't forget to look up to discover the octagonal roof.
Royal Cloister of King Joao I
I found the Royal Cloister the best part of the visit. I spent quite some time admiring the corridors and the play of light through the carvings.
It was built between 1386 and 1515, and as you can see finished in the Manueline style.
Around the cloister you can visit the chapterhouse with the Tombs of 2 unknown soldiers protected by military personnel. I decided not to photograph. The stained-glass window inside dates back to 1508.
Many architects have participated over the years. New technics were implemented.
The Basin (Lavabo in Portuguese) was an element of the hydraulic systems. It was located near the entrance to the refectory for people to wash their hands.
Cloister of King Afonso V
Next stop is another square cloister. The contrast is very surprising.
This cloister was built during the reign of King Afonso V (15th century). It is visually very simple and representative of the austere gothic style.
The Unfinished Chapels
One of the most famous places at the Batalha Monastery are the unfinished chapels (Capelas Imperfeitas in Portuguese).
They were commissioned by King Duarte in the 15th century for his pantheon. King Koao III (16th century) tried to finish the chapels too.
You have to get outside the Cloister to reenter the building on the other side. As you can see on the photo below, to the left the towers are not supporting any roof... hence the 'unfinished'...
Once again, we discover a lot of very detailed carvings all around.
The Batalha Monastery can be enjoyed as a day trip from Lisbon or a day trip from Porto.
View of the Batalha Monastery
There are no big hills in the city, so no great place to get a view of the whole monastery.
However from the hotel I stayed in, Hotel Casa do Outeiro, some rooms have a balcony and a view over the Batalha Monastery and its church. A really magnificent view, as you can see in the picture below:
Accommodation in Batalha
Batalha is a great place to stay for the night, especially if you are doing the 3 monasteries. Having a break is good.
- My choice: I stayed at the Hotel Casa de Outerio, a modern hotel with great views of the monastery from some rooms. See my review in my Portugal accommodation article or check out photos and availability now
- Location, location, location: Hotel Mestre Afonso Domingues is facing the monastery with great views from the restaurant area. see photos and availability.
- Luxury: Hotel Villa Batalha, a bit further away from the monastery, but with spa and golf, for those who love a little extra... see photos and Availability
- Family: All hotels above have family rooms (2 adults, 2 children) - but if you want your own space, Refugio da Ti Maria is a house with character you can rent not far from the center of Batalha. See photos and availability
- or Check out the best rated accommodations in Batalha
Hotel Casa de Outerio in Batalha, Portugal
Need help planning your road trip? Check out my guide:
Be overwhelmed by the beauty, not the planning!
Plan your perfect trip around Portugal with:
- 13 easy-to-plan Maps
- 120+ pre-selected scenic locations
- Planning tips to make the most of your time
- 200+ large photos to decide where to go
- GPS coordinates direct to the carparks
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Fascinating, isn't it?
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