ALCOBAÇA

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.

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.

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.

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: 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

	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.

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.

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

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