Reaching up towards the heavens, the architecture and gardens of the monastery of Alcobaca Portugal far exceeded our already high expectations.
This medieval Cistercian monastery and church are the first completely Gothic building in Portugal.
The fascinating history of the monastery began during a battle against the Moors in 1147. Portugal’s first king (Afonso I) kept his promise to build a great abbey / monastery if God had granted him a victory. The first stones were laid in 1153, and the monks began living here in 1223.
The church and monastery have had close ties to all Portuguese kings and many royal tombs are located here.
It’s no surprise that the Alcobaca Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been since 1989
Let’s explore the Alcobaca Monastery
Our first view of the Monastery of Alcobaca highlights its baroque facade and its multi-arched doorway. The statues on the front are St. Bernard and St. Benedict. Above them are the statues representing the four Catholic virtues: prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance, reminding us of the Iglesia Capuchinos in Cordoba Argentina.
Once inside, we found a blend of simplicity and regalness. While the narrow passages created a closeness, the tall, dramatic ceilings counteracted the tightness, creating a surreal effect. Similar in structure, the monastery’s church was completed in 1269.
A concert in the King’s Hall
Based on the small crowd, we know that many people came to the monastery on this specific day to hear this woman play the piano in the acoustically impressive chamber. We, however, just got lucky and were here at both the right day and time.
Unfortunately, we never found out who she is.
The room itself is the King’s hall, and up high along the walls are terracotta statues of the kings of Portugal from King Afonso I (ruled from 1139 to 1185) to King Joseph I (ruled 1750-1777). Standing in the corner of the room, several of these kings seemed to almost perk up when the music started.
Some of the stories from the Monastery of Alcobaca
- The gluttony door
We somehow missed the gluttony door, a tall narrow doorway used to shame overweight monks into fasting and losing weight. Open Culture tells the story well. - The tragedy of King Pedro
The intricately carved tombs of both Pedro I and his one true love Inês de Castro face each other in the monastery. As crown prince, Pedro’s marriage was arranged, but not to his love. As the story weaves on, Inês is murdered by Pedro’s father Afonso IV. In the end, Pedro commissioned the tombs himself, one for her at the time, the other to wait for him.
Cloisters and gardens at Alcobaca Monastery
More on the Monastery of Alcobaca
Alcobaca is situated along the western coast of Portugal about halfway up the country in an area most commonly called the Silver Coast.
The monastery is a must-see stop for visitors driving along the coast, or a fabulous day trip from Lisbon for those centring themselves in the capital, often combined with stops in Obidos, Fatima, and Nazaré.
It opens to the public daily at 9 am, closing at 6 pm in the winter and 7 pm in the summer. More details are on the official website.
Other things to do in Alcobaca Portugal
There is no question that visiting the Alcobaca Monastery is the top thing to do in Alcobaca, but it’s not the only thing. If you have allocated additional time, here are a few more ideas:
- National Wine Museum (Museu Nacional Do Vinho)
The former winery of a progressive vigneron of the late 19th Century, highlighting his achievements and advancements in wine production. - Ruins of Alcobaca Castle (Castelo De Alcobaça)
Overlooking the city stands the long ago abandoned and now ruins of the Alcobaca Castle. While we enjoy exploring the ruins, we also enjoyed the fabulous views from up on the hill. - Shop at the Market
Some say Alcobaca is home to Portugal’s best fruit, so if you get to the market, pick up a healthy snack. - One of several beaches
Along the coast, a short distance from town, there are several beaches to choose from. The most popular include the huge lagoon at Baia de São Martinho do Porto and the white sand and deep blue sea at Praia do Salgado. - Head to nearby Nazaré
Another fabulous stop, and you’ll want to split your time between the two towns. A small fishing village, Nazaré is also well known amongst surfers for its huge and impressive waves (October to March is best). From the area near the lighthouse, ride the funicular, visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazaré, or hang out at Norpark, a water play park for the days the waves are too big to swim in the sea.
Check out these places in Europe
Will you visit the Monastery of Alcobaca Portugal?
Photo Credits:
All photos on this page are either shot by our team and watermarked as such or stock images from Depositphotos.
David @ Travelsewhere
Yet another beautiful spot in Portugal that I need to visit next time. Great photos as always Rhonda 🙂 #wkendtravelinspiration
Rhonda Albom
This one is quite a bit off the beaten path, unless you are traveling the coast.
justin
Really a beautiful and historical place you visit.
Rhonda Albom
Yes, it is an UNESCO world heritage site.
Anwar
I try to visit lots of UNESCO sites so I’ll have to add this to my next trip through Portugal. Beautiful Photos
Rhonda Albom
Portugal is such a beautiful country. This was a highlight.
Laura
I adore Portugal. I’d go back in a heartbeat. You’ve inspired me with this post!
Rhonda Albom
Given the opportunity, I would love to go back and really explore the country.
Kreete
What a great gallery! The second photo is my instant favourite! I love the European architecture and it’s rich history, but have yet to make it to Portugal. A favourite of my partner!
Rhonda Albom
Yes, that is my favourite too. I would have lead with it, but I always lead with one in landscape mode.
Michele {Malaysian Meanders}
I especially like the photos of the Gothic arches lined up one after another and also that elaborately carved tomb. I was looking around my church (circa 1980’s) yesterday and thinking how they don’t build them like they used to (Sagrada Familia excluded). On the other, we don’t have the patronage of kings either.
Rhonda Albom
True, Sagrada Familia does match this skill. What really amazes me is the that had this skill so long ago without the modern tools we have today.
Rob+Ann
What a beautiful place! Churches, monasteries, temples and the like are among our favorite places to see, simply for the sheer beauty and amazing architecture. We had not heard of this monastery before, so thanks for putting it on our radar!
Rhonda Albom
One of the things we loved about Portugal was the smaller crowds.
Jim ~ ReflectionsEnroute
Your stunning photographs did indeed capture the grandeur of this beautiful cathedral! #wkendtravelinspiration
Bryna | Dotted Line Travels
Love your pictures of this beautiful monastery – it sure does look grand. And very lucky that there was a musician playing the piano there when you visited. I’m sure it made the ambience of the monastery even better!
Rhonda Albom
The acoustics of that room were so powerful. I am sure the music could have been heard all around the place, but we simply sat and listened.
Ahila
Beautiful photos! I particularly like the one of the fountain in the cloister.
Rhonda Albom
It was such an interesting place, subtle beauty around every corner.
Jessica @ Independent Travel Cats
I do like Gothic architecture and would enjoy the monastery. Lovely shots of the interior!
Brooke
You have done a wonderful job of capturing the majesty of Alcobaca! I adore Gothic architecture and you’ve captured its details and intrigue in every room.
Lydia C. Lee
What beautiful pictures!!! Especially the archway one….
Gordon Arthur
To the victors come the spoils in this magnificent church. Looking forward to visit Portugal, albeit briefly in a few months
Rhonda Albom
Unless you are travelling to the centre of the country, a brief visit probably won’t allow you time for Alcobaca.
Paula McInerney
I do like Gothic architecture, and this is a magnificent example. I love that you can keep looking and finding dark references in these photos.
Rhonda Albom
The history is fascinating, but yes, quite dark.
Elizabeth Newcamp
This is beautiful! We are actually traveling in Portugal right now, so I’ll have to see if we can make it here to see for ourselves. Thanks so much for the inspiration.
Rhonda Albom
If you are heading up the west coast, I would also recommend a stop in Obidos. It was one of my favourite walled cities. And if you are in the east, don’t miss Evora
jill
Grandeur is a good word for it. It’s stunning! Loving all your photos – especially the view on the second one. Wow!
Rhonda Albom
Yes, that second one was my favourite too.
noel
That is stunning, I really want to go back to Portugal since it’s been over 30 years, scary. Looks like an amazing place to explore and photograph
Rhonda Albom
Time seems to be passing so quickly. Thirty years, makes it time for another visit. And yes, this is a place for photographers.
Jackie Smith
Stunning, stunning photos. I am always in awe of the construction of such magnificent buildings back before we had mechanized equipment and computers that now either do the labor or to tell us how to design and do it.
Rhonda Albom
It boggles the mind how they could build this height.
Lexa Cain
The Monastery is absolutely gorgeous! It’s lucky for us you found the pics. The carvings n the fountain and the tomb are incredible!
Things to make you go “Hmm”: It must have cost a lot of money to build that spectacular place; imagine how many poor they could have fed. My mom was a pianist and an organist and played for church services and gave recitals. She never sat in a church with a see-through blouse that clearly showed her bra. Isn’t it nice the woman player has no such inhibitions. In the resort I used to work in, there were always European women in the “fashion” of see through blouses. 90% of them were 50 and older. It was a wrinkle-fest.
Rhonda Albom
LOL – I never even noticed the see-through blouse, but now that you pointed it out it’s pretty obvious. Also, you are so right about the money, but it isn’t really any different than things that happen today. We haven’t really learned much through history.
Aditi Kaushiva
You’ve captured the grandeur brilliantly! I love Gothic-styled churches. The Renaissance water basin and the tomb of King Pedro are my favourite captures!
Rhonda Albom
There are so many details to be captured here.
Upeksha
Looks really beautiful! Great photos!
Rohan Gupta
What a historic place it is, i think you capture all the best part of the Monastery of Alcobaca. Great job!
Leah | KidBucketList
Absolutely breathtaking! That first image of the archway – wow, I just had to pause and take it in. Gothic architecture is amazing
Rhonda Albom
The monastery is pretty incredible.
Kathy Marris
You have indeed capture the grandeur. Absolutely stunning!
Anda
Wow, these Gothic columns are awesome! Very impressive building indeed and your angle of photography magnifies even more the splendor of these walls, Rhonda.
Lyn aka The Travelling Lindfields
Beautiful photos. Europe wouldn’t have half the monasteries, cathedrals and churches it has if there had been no great battles. I remember seeing a cathedral in Britain built after the Battle of Hastings for the same reason – a promise to God in return for a victory.
Rhonda Albom
You make a really good point. I hadn’t thought of that before, but it’s true.
Melody Lassalle
What beautiful photos, Rhonda! The interior of the monastery is amazing. I especially like the second photo where it seems as if that hallway has no end.
Rhonda Albom
That one is my favourite as well.
Rhonda Albom
It is so majestic.
Rhonda Albom
There were several similar tombs, all with detailed and intricate carvings.
Lauren
This monastery is stunning! The gothic architecture is truly magnificent! I loveeeee Portugal, but I’ve never been to Alcobaca. I hope one day to get back and spend more time exploring the country though, so I’ll have to add this to the list 😀
Rhonda Albom
I hope to get back to Portugal too. We only spent about a week, and just couldn’t cover anywhere near as much as I would have liked.
Ruth
Yes, I think you have visited the grandeur of this place very well. Plus, it is great to take a good look at the actual details. #TPThursday
Sandee
What a cool place to explore. I would love visiting here.
Great shots as always.
Have a fabulous day and weekend. ☺
Rhonda Albom
Even though you are not a fan of travel, I think you would enjoy Portugal. Most of the sights we visited were far less crowded than many other places we visited.
Alex J. Cavanaugh
Beautiful place. I dig the long hallway. Looks like something out of Lord of the Rings.
Rhonda Albom
LOL – being that I live in Lord of the Rings country, I am surprised I didn’t see that right away.
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Hi Rhonda – what a brilliant looking place … and grandeur – yes – that came across so well. Amazing – I’ve been to Porto, but really should visit the southern region of Portugal, and definitely would include this … though it’s half way up. Incredible countryside and with places like this to visit … a delightful thought – wonderful photos – thank you … cheers Hilary
Rhonda Albom
Thanks Hilary, I am glad I could capture the grandeur. Alcobaca is several hours south of Porto and once there you will probably want to continue on to Sintra. Such a wonderful country. I would love to go back and spend more time exploring.
Birgit | Groove Is In The Heart
Would love to visit one day. So stunning! Your second pic is my favourite! 🌟
Rhonda Albom
Thanks Birgit, that one is my favourite also.
Mary {The World Is A Book}
This is beautiful and wish we could have gone this far in Portugal last year. We only went to Lisbon and Sintra. Love the architecture and cloisters here. It reminds me a lot of the St Jeronimos Monastery in Belem (a district of Lisbon). Love the photos!
Rhonda Albom
Maybe next time. We opted to skip Lisbon to have time to head north. So many places to visit, so little time.
Lolo
What a beautiful monastery! Would definitely love to see this! Pinned! 🙂 #wkendtravelsinpiration
Rhonda Albom
I hope you get a chance to see it for yourself one day.
budget jan
I am a great fan of cloisters and I love the simple but grand lines of the posts in the church. The cloister gardens look great too.
Rhonda Albom
This is one of those really special, beautiful spots in the world, that is not yet overrun with tourists.
Photo(Geo)grapher
What an interesting and scenic place to visit. Stunning light in the pictures
Rhonda Albom
Thanks, there were so many high up windows, the light was challenging to work with.