Alcobaça
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ALCOBAÇA

Nestled 120km (75 mi) north of Lisbon, Alcobaça boasts a renowned medieval monastery, drawing global admiration. This quaint town is a sought-after day-trip destination from Portugal's capital, offering historical marvels and cultural immersion. Elevate your Alcobaça experience with MADABOUTLISBON.COM, your ultimate guide. Discover essential tips on lodging and dining, ensuring a seamless exploration of nearby attractions. Benefit from our curated selection of accommodation with flexible cancellation policies, instilling confidence in your bookings. Navigate effortlessly with our travel insights, simplifying your journey planning. Opt for hassle-free exploration by reserving guided tours online, relinquishing logistical burdens. Let MADABOUTLISBON.COM facilitate your Alcobaça escapade, allowing you to indulge in the richness of this historic gem stress-free. Unlock the essence of Alcobaça with us and immerse yourself in a journey of cultural enlightenment and discovery.

ALCOBAÇA'S ABBEY CHURCH

Alcobaça - Front Facade

Alcobaça - Front Facade

Under the directive of King Afonso Henriques, the esteemed French abbot Bernard of Clairvaux oversaw the establishment of the Monastery, marking the inception of the Order of Cistercians. Construction commenced in 1178, mirroring the architectural blueprint of Claraval Abbey in France, the Order's progenitor. This monumental undertaking stemmed from Afonso Henriques' pledge subsequent to the Christian reconquest of Santarém from Moorish rule. Originally, the site housed the maiden Gothic church erected in Portugal, with remnants like the Gothic portico and rose window enduring from the initial structure. However, extensive modifications transpired during the 17th and 18th centuries, accentuated by the inclusion of twin bell towers. Flanking the portico are iconic figures, São Bento and São Bernardo, embodying the essence of the Monastery's heritage and spiritual significance. Explore the rich history and architectural splendor of this revered site, imbued with centuries of cultural resonance.

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Alcobaça - Nave

Church Nave

As you step into the Monastery's church, the striking central nave captivates with its unembellished grandeur, evoking a profound sense of spirituality. Designed in the shape of a Latin cross, the Gothic architecture boasts soaring ceilings typical of its style. Rising to a height of 20 metres, the lateral aisles match the grandeur of the central nave, enhancing the monumentality of the space. After eight centuries, Alcobaça remains the largest church in Portugal, a testament to its enduring magnificence.

Within its sacred confines lie the tombs of the ill-fated lovers, Dom Pedro and Dona Inés, their beautifully adorned resting places facing each other, bearing the poignant inscription "Até ao fim do mundo…” or “Until the end of the world…". Explore the church's intricate details during a leisurely 20-minute stroll, with complimentary admission ensuring accessibility. Venture into the Sacristy through an ornate Manueline doorway, leading to the New Sacristy, erected after the 1755 earthquake. Discover the exquisite Reliquary Chapel, hailed as the “Mirror of Heaven”, adorned with intricate gilded wood carvings that shimmer under the natural light filtering through the cupola ceiling's skylight.

Adjacent, the Hall of Kings, doubling as the monastery's ticket office, showcases 17th-century azulejo tiles narrating Santarém's siege and the monastery's founding. Adorning the walls, statues representing Portugal's monarchs, sculpted by the monks, pay homage to the nation's regal lineage, offering a glimpse into history's embrace.

ALCOBAÇA MONASTERY

Following the church's completion, the monastic edifices arose, embodying the Cistercian ethos of simplicity and austerity. Visitors can delve into the monk's daily life and navigate the compound for a nominal entrance fee. At the heart of the monastery lies the cloisters, notably the Cloister of King Dinis I, constructed during the reign of King Dinis, around 1308-1311. Crafted by Domingo Domingues and Master Diogo, these cloisters, also known as the Cloister of Silence, provided a serene haven for monks to engage in contemplation and study. The lower floor stands as a masterpiece of medieval architecture in Portugal, featuring slender columns entwined between buttresses, supporting graceful arches adorned with rosettes. Additionally, the upper floor, an extension from the Manueline era under Manuel I (1495-1521), was conceptualised by Diogo and João de Castilho. Among the cloisters lies the Gothic Fountain Hall, housing an exquisite early Renaissance water basin embellished with intricate motifs, including the monastery's coat-of-arms, a testament to the rich historical and artistic legacy of Alcobaça.

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Alcobaça - Cloisters

Monastery Cloisters

In the 17th century, the original Kitchens were replaced by the Afonso VI Cloister, leaving behind only a Romanesque door as a vestige of the medieval culinary space. Today, the kitchen adjacent to the Refectory boasts a towering 18-metre chimney, supported by eight pillars, designed to accommodate whole oxen for roasting. Adorned with glazed tiles both inside and out, the kitchen exudes opulence, contrasting sharply with the monks' austere living quarters and the ascetic ambiance of the Cloister of Silence.

Adjacent to the kitchens, the Refectory stands as a spacious vaulted chamber where monks communed in silent meals. Its western wall features an arched staircase leading to an elegant pulpit, from which passages of the Bible were recited to aid digestion.

The Dormitory, a vast Gothic vaulted chamber, served as the monks' sleeping quarters, save for the abbot, who enjoyed separate accommodations. Originally partitioned into individual cells, the dormitory underwent demolition of its partitions during the 1930s.

Convening in the Chapter House, monks deliberated on daily monastery affairs, commencing with readings from the Rule of St Benedict. Accessible through a Romanesque portal flanked by identical windows, the Chapter House now hosts baroque statues crafted by the monks for the church's main chapel, embodying centuries of spiritual devotion and artistic mastery.
Low Season: 09h30 - 18h00, High Season: 09h30 - 19h00.

Adult: €6.00, Combined Ticket: Alcobaça, Batalha, Convento de Cristo: €15.00, Concessionary: €3.00, Child under 12: FREE, Sundays up to 14h00: FREE.
Lisbon Card Lisbon Card: FREE

Contact Details
Mosteiro de Alcobaça, 2460-018, Alcobaça, Portugal.
39° 32' 54.2"N | 08° 58' 48.2"W | +351 262 505 120 | mosteiro.alcobaca@igespar.pt


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Alcobaça - Refectory

Refectory


ALCOBAÇA'S AMENITIES

There are plenty of various types of eateries in close proximity of the Monastery.

There are public toilets outside the Monastery.

There is free car parking right side of the monastery (facing it).

The Monastery has access ramps to the ground floor for persons with reduced mobility, enabling them to visit the Monks' Room, King Dinis Cloister, Chapter House, Refectory, Kitchen and Church. Access to the Monastery for people in wheelchairs is made through a side door at Praça Afonso Henriques, which provides direct access to the Monks' Room. Please inform the Monastery reception desk for reduced mobility access or book in advance.

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TOP TOURS OF ALCOBAÇA

Convent of Christ, Batalha and Alcobaça Monasteries Tour from Lisbon

Convent of Christ, Batalha and Alcobaça Monasteries Tour from Lisbon

Embark on a spiritual journey from Lisbon to three UNESCO-listed monasteries. First, head to the Convent of Christ in Tomar, the headquarters of the Knights Templar. Then visit the Gothic Batalha Monastery, built to commemorate Portugal’s independence, and Alcobaça Monastery, where you can see the tombs of past royalty. Listen to engaging commentary from your guide about the history of each monastery and Portugal. Lisbon hotel pick-up. Admission Tickets Included.

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Tomar, Batalha and Alcobaça - UNESCO private guided tour

Tomar, Batalha and Alcobaça - UNESCO private guided tour

Visit three monuments classified by UNESCO as world heritage, and marvel the Gothic, Manueline and Renaissance architecture, as well as the history and legends of the creation of Portugal in the XII century, until its affirmation, in the Battle of Aljubarrota, in the century XIV.

Visit the Templar Knight's headquarters in Portugal, learn its history, its legends and the hermetic knowledge behind the symbols of some stones. Be astounded by the colossal monastery at Batalha and the origins of the Manueline style and the first stained glass windows in Portugal.

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Private Tour The Templars Treasure to Tomar, Batalha and Alcobaça from Lisbon

Private Tour "The Templars Treasure" to Tomar, Batalha and Alcobaça from Lisbon

The Knights Templar had a great impact in the history of Portugal, from its founding to the Discoveries. You will visit three monuments that are part of the Route of the Portuguese Monasteries World Heritage classified by UNESCO: the Convent of Christ in Tomar, the Monastery of Batalha and the Alcobaça Monastery. Time for lunch and explore the cities that we will visit: Tomar, Batalha and Alcobaça! Pick up and drop-off from Lisbon.

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ALCOBAÇA CASTLE (CASTELO DE ALCOBAÇA)

Alcobaça Castle (Castelo de Alcabaça)

Alcobaça Castle (Castelo de Alcabaça)

Regrettably, little remains of this castle, its history marred by the relentless tides of time. The surviving walls, dating back to the 12th century reconstruction post-Reconquista, stand as testament to its tumultuous past. Originally, a 6th Century Moorish fortress occupied this site, succumbing to successive Christian incursions. Strategically perched atop a hill, the castle commanded a commanding view over the town, an enviable position seized upon by Cistercian monks who cultivated grapes on its slopes, igniting the town's winemaking legacy. Despite enduring four earthquakes and local pillaging, sporadic restoration efforts in the 1950s preserved seven square turrets and the Moorish watchtower, dubbed "Torre dos sete sobrados." Yet, it's the panoramic vistas from this vantage point that beckon visitors, offering breathtaking views of the Monastery and town below. A climb to these heights rewards with unparalleled panoramas, encapsulating the timeless allure of this historic site.

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NATIONAL WINE MUSEUM (MUSEU NACIONAL DO VINHO)

Installed within a former winery, the National Wine Museum pays homage to Alcobaça's illustrious winemaking legacy, originally established by José Raposo de Magalhães. An eminent figure in 19th-century wine production, Magalhães revolutionised grape cultivation and vinification techniques on lands once owned by the Monastery. Through his pioneering efforts, the region garnered renown and prosperity, both domestically and internationally, for its exceptional wines. Amidst the phylloxera pandemic, Magalhães orchestrated the replanting of Alcobaça's vineyards, sourcing grafts from France, ensuring the preservation of this cherished tradition.

Today, the National Wine Museum stands as Portugal's largest repository of oenological artifacts, boasting a collection exceeding 8,500 items. From portable presses to historic labels, visitors are treated to a captivating journey through the annals of winemaking history. Explore meticulously curated displays showcasing barrels, bottles, farming implements, and copper stills sourced from across the country. Embark on an insightful tour through the cellars and distillery, culminating in a delightful wine tasting experience, offering a sensory immersion into Portugal's vinicultural heritage.
Tuesday - Friday: 09h00 - 11h30/14h00 - 17h00, Weekends: 10h00 - 12h30/13h30 - 16h00,

Adult: €2.50, Concessionary Disabled, Student, Youth card & OAP: FREE

Contact Details
Rua de Leiria Olival Fechado, Alcobaça, Portugal.
39° 33' 08.0"N | 08° 58' 38.9"W | +351 262 582 750 | museus@cm-alcobaca.pt

National Wine Museum (Museu Nacional do Vinho)

National Wine Museum

MONASTERY OF SANTA MARIA DE COZ (MOSTEIRO DE SANTA MARIA DE COZ)

Monastery of Santa Maria de Coz (Mosteiro de Santa Maria de Coz)

Monastery of Santa Maria de Coz (Mosteiro de Santa Maria de Coz)

Nearby in the quaint village of Cós lies another remarkable monastery, one of Portugal's largest Cistercian nunneries. While its exterior may appear solemn and weathered, the Monastery of Santa Maria Cós conceals treasures within its walls. Established by the Abbot of Alcobaça in the 13th century, this monastery swiftly rose to prominence as a pivotal monastic complex in the region, particularly significant for Cistercian nuns. Originally founded in the 12th century to accommodate widows seeking a monastic life, it underwent significant expansion between 1558 and 1670, solidifying its importance.

Step inside to discover a magnificent interior adorned in early Portuguese Baroque splendor. A wooden boxed ceiling, coupled with 17th and 18th century azulejo tiles and gilded altars, exudes opulence and grandeur. Notable among its artistic treasures are ten azulejo tile panels depicting scenes from the life of Saint Bernardo de Clairvaux, a prominent figure in the Cistercian order. A gilded screen, once used to segregate cloistered nuns from the public, remains as a testament to its rich history.

Designated as a Building of Public Interest in 1946, the monastery has undergone extensive restoration efforts, ensuring its architectural and cultural legacy endures for generations to come. Explore this hidden gem and immerse yourself in the captivating history and exquisite beauty of the Monastery of Santa Maria Cós.
Tuesday - Saturday: 09h30 - 12h30/14h00 - 18h00, Sunday: 14h00 - 18h00, Monday: CLOSED. | FREE

Contact Details
6 Rua de Santa Rita 2460 Coz, Alcobaça, Portugal.
39° 35' 54.3"N | 08° 57' 20.5"W | +351 262 582 750 | juntafcoz@mail.telepac.pt

TOP ACCOMMODATION SUGGESTIONS

Solar da Cerca do Mosteiro

Solar da Cerca do Mosteiro

Solar da Cerca do Mosteiro is a renovated historical house which is run as a guest house only 150 yards from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Monastery of Alcobaça. This charming property has a seasonal outdoor pool and terrace. The property features accommodation in apartments and as well as rooms, all come with a private bathroom and a TV. The apartments include a kitchen, dinning area, living room and farm views. Free WiFi is provided throughout the house.

For guests staying in the rooms without kitchenettes there is also a shared kitchen, where guests can prepare their meals. The property features an on site bar with an outdoor lounge area. Located within natural surroundings, the Solar da Cerca do Mosteiro has an orange grove, a vegetable patch and a garden. Bike hire and car hire are available at this property and the area is popular for cycling and hiking.

3 Rua Dr. Francisco Zagalo, 2460-041 Alcobaça, Portugal.
39º 32" 60.1' N | 08º 58" 59.8' W

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Challet Fonte Nova

Challet Fonte Nova

Surrounded by lush gardens only 200 yards from the Alcobaça Monastery, this elegant boutique hotel is situated in a historic mansion. It features a Spa and Wellness Centre and free Wi-Fi in public areas. Rooms at the Challet Fonte Nova have parquet floors and elegant furnishings. They include floor-to-ceiling windows and come equipped with air conditioning, cable TV, and a private bathroom with hand painted tiles.

In the morning, the hotel serves a buffet breakfast with fresh fruit and homemade cakes. There is also a bar in the basement that serves regional wine and has billiards and board games. Guests can enjoy a relaxing massage, or take a walk through the gardens and visit the koi pond. A car hire service is also available for guests. Free private parking is possible on site.

8 Rua da Fonte Nova, 2460 - 042 Alcobaça, Portugal.
39º 32" 44.8' N | 08º 59" 07.4' W

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Your Hotel & Spa Alcobaca

Your Hotel & Spa Alcobaca ★ ★ ★ ★

Set in a privileged spot among natural surroundings, Your Hotel & Spa is located 2.8 miles from the historical town of Alcobaça. It offers modern accommodation, a seasonal semi-Olympic-sized outdoor swimming pool, extensive spa facilities a short drive from Nazaré Beach. The accommodation at Your Hotel & Spa Alcobaça is decorated with modern-style furnishings and are air conditioned. Each one overlooks the gardens, the outdoor pool, or the golf course.

International cuisine and specialties from Portugal's Estremadura Region are served at the hotel's restaurant. Guests can also enjoy drinks and refreshments until late, thanks to the in house bar. Complimentary leisure facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, WiFi access, charging electrical vehicles and private parking. Bike rental is also available on site. A variety of health treatments are available at an extra charge, including hydrotherapy and massages.

8 Rua da Fonte Nova, 2460 - 042 Alcobaça, Portugal.
39º 31" 08.5' N | 08º 56" 59.9' W

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O Cabeço

O Cabeço

An excellent dinning experience be it for lunch or dinner. From appetisers through to dessert the Portuguese cuisine with a modern twist here is constantly superbly cooked and well presented. The portions are as generous as the smiles from the staff. Located just out of town in Bemposta high up on the hill overlooking Alcobaça, eating at O Cabeço is a feast for eyes too. The decor is vibrant and modern yet well thought out and the atmosphere is always friendly and welcoming. Prices are very reasonable considering the fine dinning experience. Highlights on the menu are the Tuna, Octopus Cataplana, and the house style Iberian pork. If you have room for dessert then you will be spoiled again for choice. O Cabeço has become very popular so to avoid disappointment its best to call and make a reservation.

Tuesday - Saturday: 12h30 - 14h00/19h30 - 22h00, Sunday & Monday: CLOSED
65 Rua Dona Elvina Machado, Alcobaça 2460-521, Portugal | 39º 33' 52.4" N | 08º 58' 45.9" W
+351 914 500 202 | ocabeco@gmail.com |  Website | Facebook


Restaurante Antonio Padeiro

Restaurante Antonio Padeiro

Tucked away in a lane away from the main square and crowds this great little restaurant is the restaurant the locals know as the place to go. The service is typically warm and friendly and portions are very generous. Meals start when a waiter brings a selection of appetisers for you to choose from, at a small fixed price per head. Main courses are local fare cooked to perfection, look out for their Açorda dishes.

Daily: 12h00 - 15h00/19h00 - 23h00
27 Rua Doutor Maur Cocheril, Alcobaca 2460-032, Portugal
39º 39' 33.8" N | 08º 49' 28.3" W
+351 262 582 295 | restaurante.antoniopadeiro@gmail.com | Facebook

Meat

Meat

That ol' gourmet burger craze kicked off in Portugal a few years ago and the Portuguese do it very well. This burger-bar is ideal if you want something quick, cheap, cheerful yet tasty. Casual as you like with great friendly staff. Their choice of homemade burgers, including vegetarian and vegan options, are served over two floors as well as on the outside seating. There are other tempting things on the menu such as soups, salads and devilish desserts.

Daily: 12h00 - 15h00/18h00 - 23h00
49 Rua Frei António Brandão, 2460-047 Alcobaça, Portugal
39º 32' 50.7" N | 08º 58' 55.7" W
+351 262 582 295 | Facebook

Alcobaça is 116km (72 miles) North of Lisbon Portela Airport Website

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To drive to the Monastery of Alcobaça by motorway: from Lisbon or Leira take the A8, exit Alcobaça/Nazaré/Valado dos Frades. Then take the national route EN 8-5 to Alcobaça.
Alternatively you can take the A1 motorway to Alcobaça (exit at Leiria if you're coming from the North, or at Aveiras if you're coming from Lisbon/the South) and/or the IC2 route. Latitude - 39º 32' 50.7" | Longitude - 08º 58' 55.7"

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Take the urban train service (comboios urbanos) to Lisbon's central train station Rossio.
• Azambuja/Lisboa/Sintra line Timetable Then take the regional (Regionais) train running North from Lisbon to Leiria.
• Linha do Oeste Timetable

Trains of Portugal Website

Rede Expressos run regular services to Alcobaça from Lisbon Sete Rios coach station and takes about two hours. Website
Rodoviária do Lis run services to Alcobaça from Leiria and takes about 45 minutes. Website