Monastery of Batalha
A Monument raised to perpetuate the memory of the battle of Aljubarrota. It was built at the end of the 14th century with patronage from King João I, The Dominican Monastery of Batalha is the most significant testimony to the Portuguese Gothic style.
This vast complex, which is also a royal pantheon, is an excellent example of the evolution of medieval architecture up to the 16th century, from the innovative experience of the late Gothic to the Manueline decorative exuberance. Located in the historic centre of Batalha, the Monastery is inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
Visiting Hours
October to March
From 9 am to 6 pm (last entry at 5:30 pm)
April to September
From 9 am to 7 pm (last entry at 6:30 pm)
It closes on 1 January, Easter Sunday, 1 May and 25 December
Events held
Meals, receptions, conferences, music or poetry recitals, book launching, solemn acts, cultural activities, and exhibitions are held here.
Days and timings of events will be arranged on a case- by-case basis.
Different Areas
Imperfect Chapels
35 m diameter
These are known as the Imperfect Chapels because they were never completed. Construction of a pantheon began around 1436, by order of King D. Duarte, and the chapels have no roof up to the present day. Noteworthy here are the chapels’ high scenic value.
There is direct access from outside and also for persons with reduced mobility.
It may be used for concerts, receptions, presentations or other cultural events. As it is an open space, its use is subject to weather conditions.
Seating capacity: 300 persons.
Royal Cloister
Area: 280 m2 X 4 galleries
The Royal Cloister or Cloister of King João I was the first to be built in the Monastery. It was greatly enriched during the reign of King D.Manuel I. It stands next to the church and has access to many convent premises like the Dormitory, (Friars’ Wine Cellar), the Chapter House and the Refectory.
It has direct access from the outside and for persons with reduced mobility;
and may be used for concerts, after the monastery closes its doors to the public.
As it is an open space, its use is subject to weather conditions.
Seating capacity: 400 persons.
Dormitory / Friars’ Wine Cellar
Known today as the Friars’ Wine Cellar, this was the monastery’s first dormitory. Part of this area is currently used for exhibiting the monastery’s stone blocks and sculptures.
There is access from the Royal Cloister and for persons with reduced mobility; it may be used for concerts, after the monastery closes its doors to the public;
Seating capacity: 150 persons.
Auditorium
Area: 260 m2
The amphitheatre auditorium was raised in 1988/1989 to the design of the architect Viana de Lima.
Access is made through the stairs, which restricts the admission of persons with reduced mobility;
It may be used for conferences, seminars, meetings, receptions, presentations or small concerts;
It has no sanitary facilities next to it; and has a sound and lighting equipment;
Seating capacity: 175 persons.
Useful information
Contacts
Director: Joaquim Ruivo
Address: Mosteiro de Santa Maria da Vitória, Batalha, 2440 - 109 Batalha
Telephone: + 351 244 765 497
E-mail: geral@mbatalha.dgpc.pt
How to get there
A8 Lisboa/Leiria Motorway
A1 Lisboa/Porto Motorway – Fátima/Batalha exit
IC2 Lisboa/Porto Main Road –Batalha exit
Interurban buses (from Largo 14 de Agosto, next to the Parish church)
Shop
Open during the Monument’s visiting hours.
Stock for sale: postcards, scientific and learning publications and reproductions of collections form DGPC's monuments, museums and palaces.
Parking facilities
There is free car parking both to the North and South of the monastery. Buses should park to the South of the monument (private parking) or East (next to the multi-use pavilion).
Payment options
Visa, ATM
Documentation available
Leaflets (In Portuguese, English, French, German, Spanish, Italian and Japanese)
Multimedia Kiosk (Portuguese and English)
Signposting (Portuguese and English)
Accessibility for people with reduced mobility
People with reduced mobility have access to all areas with a wheel chair and an escort.