Visiting the Batalha Monastery (Portugal) – Tips + 26 Photos + Video

This article contains affiliate Links (info on the Disclosure page). If you purchase using my link, I get a commission at no extra cost to you.

Monastery of Batalha in Video

Let's start with a short video, to give you an idea of what it looks like to visit the Monastery of Batalha Portugal.

I am sharing many photos of the different sections of the monastery after the planning tips section.

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 location with its GPS coordinates and planning info is included in the eBook - Road Trip Guide Portugal 

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 

Batalha is a fantastic places 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 Batalha Monastery Portugal

From the outside, you approach the Monastery from a large walking square. Signs can be found outside with some explanation about the Monastery.

The entrance is via the church. The front door is impressive with a lot of sculptures and carvings.

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 Portugal

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 represents 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

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.

Church of Batalha Monastery

You first enter via the church. Entrance to this section is free. You can purchase your tickets inside.

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.

Founder's Chapel at Batalha Monastery

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 14 and 15th centuries)

Don't forget to look up to discover the octagon roof.

Royal Cloister of King Joao I

I found the Royal Cloister the best part of the visit. I spent quite some times 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 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.

You have to get outside from 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 discovered 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 Batalha Monastery

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!

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 prices and availability now
• Location, location, location: Hotel Mestre Afonso Domingues is facing the monastery with great views from the restaurant area. Check prices 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... Check prices 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. Check Availability and latest prices

Want to see more of PORTUGAL?

Discover more things to do & places to see in my Travel Portugal Destination Guide.

Fascinating, isn't it?

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: