Batalha Monastery

View of the Monastery - April 2014

What is this about?

Batalha Monastery or Monastery of Saint Maria of Vitória, is located in Batalha, about 120 kilometres to northern than Lisbon. Marked by the Reign of D. Manuel, the Discoveries' King, and a masterpiece, never finished, and a exponential example of the Manueline Gothic - the final stage of the Gothic style, marked by it's decoration and symbolism related to the Portuguese Discoveries.

Its construction started at the end of the 14th century, in 1386, with the King D. João I, as a token of gratitude to the Virgin Mari, and also because of the victory of the Portuguese over the Spanish in the Battle of Aljubarrota - the battle that guaranteed the Portuguese kingdom independence, even after a serious crisis in the Monarchical succession.

The construction was never finished, for lack of money and because they started constructing other Monasteries through the country. But still this masterpiece is a really important architectonic site, of extreme beauty in Portuguese's history and architecture - hence its name "Imperfect Chapels", the chapels were never finished and nowadays they still have an open ceiling.

The entrance - April 2014.

This Monastery, always belonged to the Dominicans' Order, and is considered UNESCO's Heritage, and in 2007 was elected one of the 7 Wonders of Portugal. A visit full of history!

How to arrive?

The easiest way is by car. Coming from Lisbon or Porto, you can take the highway A1, leaving in Fátima/ Batalha's direction, and then you just have to follow the indications. The way it's really well marked.

When to visit it?

During the whole year round. Since it's a bit far from the capital, most of the visitors are national ones, so the place never gets too many visitors. During all year Batalha has mild weather, and the Monastery is right in the centre of the city, so it's really easy to find some traditional places, like taverns (we call it "tasquinhas") to eat and drink, in case it starts to rain.

Between 16th of October until 31st of March, the visiting hours it's between 9 am. until 6 pm.. And Between 1st of April until 15th of October, between 9 am. until 6:30 pm., and the last entrance is one hour before its closing time. For guided tours, it's necessary to schedule it previously, with the Administrative Services.

The famous Imperfect Chapels- April of 2014.

How much is it?

The single ticket costs 6 euros (prices of November of 2016), and for the students (if you present your student's card or youth's card) also offers a 50% discount! As well on the first Sunday of every month, just like some others museums and cultural spaces in Portugal, the entrance is for free.

Final Considerations:

I really enjoy this place. It's a perfect getaway from who is visiting Lisbon, because the region is full of other amazing places to visit (for example, the Interpretative Centre of the Aljubarrota's Battle) and also a great cuisine, that is a must - especially for its meat plates.

When I visited the Monastery, I was really happy with all the preservation and conservation. I remember that there was some available information in the different rooms, and some audio guide for a symbolic price (to rent), that without any doubt enriched a lot our visit.

Learning more about the Imperfect Chapels - April of 2014