Batalha Monastery (Portugal): Visit Tips + Photos

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What is Batalha famous for?

The Batalha monastery is famous for:

• the evolution in the architectural style - from Gothic to Manueline art, as Portuguese Monarchy added their section for 2 centuries
• its symbolic value as it was built to celebrate the victory over the Castilians at Aljubarrota in 1385
• the tombs of King John I and his wife  Queen Philippa and other royal family members.

Here is a view of the monastery from Hotel Casa do Outeiro (some rooms have a balcony and a view over the Batalha Monastery):

Video - Virtual visit

Below is a short video to give you an idea of what it looks like to visit the Monastery of Batalha Portugal - enjoy a virtual tour!

Can you see why it is included in my list of the top things to do in Portugal?

About the name

In Portuguese, it is often referred to as Mosteiro de Batalha (Batalha Monastery).
However, its full name is Mosteiro de Santa Maria da Vitória (Monastery of Saint Mary of the Victory).

More photos of the different sections of the monastery after the planning tips section.

Where is the monastery of Batalha in Portugal? Map

• In the town of Batalha,
• North of Lisbon,
• Lisbon to Batalha = 1h40 drive
• Obidos to Batalha = 45 min drive
• Porto to Batalha = 2h drive
• Part of the loop with the Alcobaca Monastery and the Convento de Cristo Tomar
• Below is a map to help you get oriented:

This location is included (with GPS coordinates, map of location and planning info) in my travel guide eBook that helps you easily plan your Portugal road trip:

Batalha Parking

There is a large carpark behind the monastery.
Parking is not an issue in this town.

Visit tips

• Batalha Monastery Opening Hours: 9am to 5:30pm (Oct to Mar) - 9am to 6:30pm (Apr to Sept) - Closed on some public holidays
• It is free to enter the main church but this is not the interesting part...
• Batalha Monastery price - 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 stairs

Batalha Restaurants

There are several restaurants in town and in the region.
Some have views of the monastery.
One of the most referenced is Restaurante Burro Velho.

Largo de Mosteiro and 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.

Largo do Mosteiro

There is a large square near the monastery: Largo do Mosteiro. And in the middle is the statue of Nuno Alvares Pereira, the military commander credited for winning the Aljubarrota battle.

Main Portal

The entrance is via the church.
The front door is impressive with a lot of sculptures and carvings including angels and the 12 apostles.
Above the apostles are statues of angels.
And at the pinnacles is a statue of Christ.

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

The Gothic church

You first enter via the church.
It was built in the 14th century under Architect Huguet.

Entrance to this section is free. You can purchase your tickets inside to explore further.

The founder's Chapel (Capela de Fundador)

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, Philippa de Lancaster, who reigned during the 14th and 15th centuries.
Their tombs are covered with 2 statues of them in full state dress.

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, it was finished in the Manueline style. It is a little similar to the Cloister a the Jeronimos Monastery in Lisbon.
The intricate carved decor in the arches is stunning! Pay attention and see the flowers, pearls, shells and more...

Chapter House - Tomb of unknown soldier

Around the cloister you can visit the chapter house (Sala do Capitulo).
This is where the monks would have meetings.
Inside are the Tombs of an unknown soldier protected by military personnel.
I decided not to photograph.
The stained-glass window inside dates back to 1508.

The Basin

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.

Other rooms

Around the cloister, your can also discover the refectory, the dormitory...

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.

You have to get outside the Cloister to reenter the building on the other side. Don't loose your ticket!
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.