Monastery of Batalha

The Monastery of Santa Maria da Vitória, also known as the Monastery of Batalha, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful works of Portuguese and European architecture.

Located in the centre of Batalha, it is one of the most representative Gothic buildings in Portugal. It was born from a vow made to the Virgin Mary by D. João I, who would erect a monastery there in her honour if he defeated the Castilians in the Battle of Aljubarrota, which took place on August 14, 1385. The construction of the Monastery began in 1388 a few kilometres from the site of São Jorge, where the battle took place, due to the conditions that this location offered, namely the abundance of water.

Handed over to the Dominican Order, its construction lasted until 1533, under notable masters such as Afonso Domingues, Huguet, Matheus Fernandes and Fernão de Évora.

The Monastery of Santa Maria da Vitória is the best and most beautiful example of Gothic art in Portugal, being considered the birthplace of the Manueline style. In addition to these two styles, we also find excellent Renaissance examples in Capelas Imperfeitas.

It is also here that we find, in the Founder's Chapel, the tomb of D. João I and D. Filipa de Lencastre, and some of their children. Still inside this fabulous monastery, in the Chapter Room, you will find the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, recalling Portugal's participation in World War I and the Colonial War. Continuously flanked by 2 guards and the chandelier symbolizing the “Flame of the Fatherland”, it is a monument that deserves your visit.

This National Monument has been part of the World Heritage List defined by UNESCO since 1983 and is one of the most visited monuments in the Leiria Region and in the Centre of Portugal.

The Batalha Monastery: a tribute to Portugal’s independence.

The date, which many know by heart and mentioned earlier, is August 14, 1385. On that day, not far from the place where this imposing monument stands today, D. João, Master of Avis, defeated the Castilians in the Battle of Aljubarrota and saved national independence, threatened by a dynastic crisis. D. Fernando had died two years before, leaving as his only successor a daughter, married to the King of Castile, who thus claimed to be the legitimate heir to the throne.

A claim contested by D. João who, with the help of D. Nuno Álvares Pereira, would fight the decisive battle that day to consolidate his accession to the throne. As a token of his gratitude to the Virgin Mary, whom he had asked to intercede with God, the new king decided to build the monastery.