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First, and at the same time, the most important example of Portuguese medieval Gothic, the Alcobaca Monastery is an extraordinary complex that dates back to the 12th century.
Due to its historical and architectural importance it is considered one of the most important monuments in the country, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1989. With the nearby Batalha Monastery (about 20 km away), it is part of the Seven Wonders of Portugal.
Founded in 1153 by King Alfonso I, it has always shown an indissoluble link with the Portuguese monarchy. Today, in the transept, there are the Royal Tombs.
Kings Alfonso II and III are buried on the side of the Chapel of San Bernardo while the tombs of their respective wives are located in the Royal Pantheon.
In the Room of the Kings, on the other hand, you can admire numerous statues of the Royals.
In the monastery you can also admire the suggestive cloister, and the Chapter Hall with the statues sculpted by the monks. History and spirituality, but also dissolute life in this complex: the kitchen, with the large fireplace, was a very lively and popular place. It is joined to the refectory by a door just 32cm wide: it seems that crosse was built with the intention of discouraging the monks from gaining weight and falling into the temptation of food!
PRACTICAL INFO
HOW TO GET
The Monastery is located in the center, less than 10 minutes walk from the main bus station. The latter is located at Av. Manuel da Silva Carolino 1. The Rodoviária do Tejo buses that connect the neighboring destinations and Rede Expressos pass through here.
Arriving by car, a large car park (Parque de Estacionato) is located at Av. Dos Combatentes 2460. Again, the monastery can be reached on foot.
TIMETABLES
The Monastery is open every day from Monday to Sunday, with the following times:
- From October to March, from 09:00 to 18:00.
- From April to September, from 09:00 to 19:00.
Closed on January 1st, Easter Sunday, May 1st, August 20th and December 25th.
ALCOBACA MONASTERY TICKETS
The standard rate entrance ticket costs €6.00 per person, from 12 to 64 years old.
Adults aged 65 and over pay the reduced rate of €3.00.
To access the Sacristy you have to pay €2.00 per person.
Family discount for groups of at least 4 people. In this case it is possible to take advantage of a discount of 50% (3.00 € per person)
Free for children up to 11 years of age and for visitors with reduced mobility.
The special combined Património Mundial ticket is available. It offers access to Alcobaça, Batalha, and the Convento de Cristo within 7 days of validation. The 3 complexes are part of the route of the Portuguese monasteries of the World Heritage. It costs €15.00 per person
Tickets can be purchased directly online on the official website.
Times and entrances are subject to change. Before visiting the site it is always advisable to inform yourself in advance about the rules and laws on COVID-19.
Everything indicated is for information purposes only.