Alcobaça

Alcobaça It is located in the valleys of the Alcoa and Baça rivers, which, according to some authors, gave it its name. According to other interpretations, the name of this locality was of Arab origin, which was divided to name the two rivers.

UNESCO

Classified as a World Heritage Site for the UNESCO founded in 1989, the imposing monastery is one of the most impressive and beautiful examples of Cistercian architecture in all of Europe. Despite being nearly 900 years old, it preserves its medieval outbuildings intact, and its church is the largest early Gothic church built in Portugal during the Middle Ages.

Contemporaneous with the founding of Portugal, the Monastery also represents a bit of its history. Founded by its first king, Afonso Henriques, it arose from the donation of the lands of Alcobaça to the Cistercian Order for defeating the Moors in the conquest of Santarém.

In 1178, construction began on the monastery modeled after the Abbey of Clairvaux, the Order's motherhouse in France. The white-robed monks created a unique work of civilization in the region, reflected in the public school that began in 1269. Royal donations received over several reigns eventually formed the Coutos de Alcobaça, vast territorial domains that the monks populated and developed, and where they established an agricultural school.

On the façade, only the Gothic portico is original. On either side, the lightness of the statues of Saint Benedict and Saint Bernard contrasts with the Baroque heaviness of the frontispiece and bell towers added in the 18th century.

Upon entering, the grand central nave, stripped of any adornment, creates a sense of elevation and spirituality. In the center of each transept arm, we see two masterpieces of medieval statuary: the tombs of Pedro I (1357-67) and Inês, placed face to face so they can meet again on Resurrection Day.

Be sure to visit the impressive set of medieval buildings, including the Refectory, the Dormitory, and the Chapter House, as well as the Cloister of King Dinis, the surprising Kitchen, and the Kings' Room.

The Alcobaça Monastery can be reached in about 90 minutes by car from Quinta da Palmeira – Country House Retreat & Spa.