Visit The Batalha Monastery one of the most impressive religious buildings of Portugal. This Gothic monastery was commission by King João in gratitude for the decisive victory in the battle of Aljubarrota (1385), and the grand designs took over a hundred years to construct. The Mosteiro da Batalha is a beautiful representation of the transition from the Gothic style of architecture through to the decorative Manueline style, and a visit to this iconic monument should be included in your tour of central Portugal. This article will provide a tourist guide and image tour of the Mosteiro da Batalha.

The Mosteiro de Alcobaça is an imposing and grand monastery complex, and is one of the finest examples of early Gothic architecture in Portugal. The mighty church was commissioned by King Afonso Henriques in 1153 to demonstrate the power of the new ruling dynasty, after the Christian Crusades drove the Moors from central Portugal. The monastery was constructed soon after the church, and date from an era when to be a monk was a harsh and difficult calling, and the monastery reflects this austere and severe life. The only true flashes of artistic beauty are the tombs of King Pedro and his wife Inês, and these (along with their fateful story) will be the highlight of any visit to the Mosteiro de Alcobaça.

he Mira de Aire Caves are the largest in Portugal and are undoubtedly a great option for those looking for a different tour. With 11km of already known, of which 600m are visitable, the caves were elected as one of the 7 Natural Wonders of Portugal. The walk is always going down, there are 683 steps and although it seems immense, almost do not realize it. After descending the climb is made by elevator. The visit to Mira de Aire Caves is made in groups, and you start with a video with the history of the site and some interesting data. During the route several stops are made in the various galleries, where the guide gives explanations including how are constantly formed the elements that make up that scenario. It is an odd beauty.

Batalha is a peaceful little town, but it was the setting for Portugal’s most important battle, the Batalha de Aljubarrota (1385). This battle secured Portuguese independence from Castile, and to honour it, King João I constructed the Mosteiro da Batalha, which today is the finest monastery in Portugal. This grand monastery represents the transition from Gothic to Manueline architectural styles, and, though never completed after 100 years of building works, it heavily influenced Portuguese architecture for future generations. Batalha may only be a small town, but the Mosteiro da Batalha should make it high on your list of places to visit while in Portugal. This article will provide a tourist introduction and guide to Batalha.

Alcobaça lies in the valleys of the Rivers Alcoa and Baça, which according to some authors is the origin of its name. It has also been suggested that it was the Arabic name of the place which was split to name the two rivers. Alcobaça owes its fame and development to the Monastery or Royal Abbey of Santa Maria, founded by the Order of Cistercians in 1153. Building began in 1178 on land donated by Dom Afonso Henriques, the first King of Portugal, to Friar Bernardo of Claraval, founder of the Order of Cistercians, in fulfilment of a vow made after the Christian reconquest of Santarém, held by the Moors until 1147. The Monastery owned a vast area of land, also known as "sanctuaries" of Alcobaça, where the Cistercian Order put order into the settlement by organising villages and estates. It also boosted agriculture by introducing new techniques and agricultural products that turned out to be lasting characteristics of this region, which is still today one of Portugal´s main fruit producers.