Alcobaca Monastery Historical Facts and Pictures

Located in the Oeste Subregion, the Alcobaca Monastery is a Roman Catholic monastery. Founded by Afonso Henriques, the first King of Portugal, this medieval monastery was one of the first bedrocks of Portugal’s Cistercian order. Listed in one of UNESCO World Heritage Sites it was also one of the most significant monasteries in Portugal.

Alcobaca Monastery

Alcobaca Monastery Entrance

Architecture and Style

The monastery represents early Gothic style and clean architectonic lines are found in its construction. The structure contains no decoration other than a statue of Virgin Mary and some capital sculptures, following the pattern of Cristercian churches. The church is situated in between two plain-style wings in the main façade. The two flanking towers and the statues were part of later additions to the structure that took place in the early 18^th century.

Alcobaca Monastery Photos

Alcobaca Monastery Pictures

Interior of Alcobaca Monastery

The interior section of the church is glaringly illuminated by strings of windows on the walls along with The façade displaying variety of styles with the high rose windows and transept arms.

Alcobaca Monastery Inside

The tombs of King Pedro I and his beloved Ines de Castro, comprised in the transept of the church, exemplify one of the best Gothic sculpture works in Portugal.

Tomb of Ines de Castro Showing Christ Presiding Over the Last Judgement

Tomb of King Pedro 1

The kitchen within the monastery is a specimen of artistic magnificence. An enormous chimney, supported by 8-iron columns is consisted within this remarkably tile-decorated structure.

Inside of Alcobaca Monastery

Water Basin of the Alcobaca Monastery

Apart from the kitchen, the complex also occupies some other splendid structures, such as the Room of the Kings, the Cloister of Silence, Sacristy and Chapter House.