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Mosteiro da Batalha | Monastery of the Battle

Batalha Monastery, or mosteiro da batalha, was erected to honor Portugal's triumph over the Castilians at the battle of Aljubarrota in 1385. It became the primary architectural endeavor of the Portuguese monarchy for two centuries. Its unique national Gothic style, heavily influenced by Manueline art, is showcased in its masterpiece, the Royal Cloister.

Things to know before booking your tickets to Batalha Monastery

Batalha Monastery
  • Main Church Visit: Visiting the main church is free, showcasing its high vaulted ceilings and original stained glass windows. However, to truly experience the monastery's magic, paid sections must be explored.
  • Paid Sections Experience: For €7.50, entrance grants access to the Founders Chapel, two cloisters, and the unfinished chapel, along with a complimentary audio guide.
  • Monastery Exploration Time: A minimum of two hours is required to fully explore the monastery, encompassing the exterior, church, cloisters, and chapels. Coach tours typically allow only enough time for the exterior and church nave.
  • Extended Visit to Batalha: Consider a day trip to Batalha for a comprehensive exploration of the entire complex, including a visit to the informative Fundacao Batalha de Aljubarrota museum. Batalha offers a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for an overnight stay.
  • Capelas Imperfeitas: Admission to the 'Unfinished' chapel requires a ticket and typically marks the conclusion of the monastery tour.

Batalha Monastery highlights

Nuno Álvares Pereira

Most visitors arrive by coach, catching their first glimpse of the monastery across Largo Do Mosteiro. At the plaza's center stands a statue of Nuno Álvares Pereira, the military genius credited with securing Portugal's independence after the battle of Aljubarrota.

The Gothic Church

Entering the church, built in the 14th century by Architect Huguet, is free. Tickets for further exploration can be purchased inside. The narrow church appears even taller (32.4m in height vs. 22m in width), impressively simple with beautiful carvings and stained-glass windows.

The Founder’s Chapel (Capela de Fundador)

At the nave's end, the Founder’s chapel, a 15th-century pantheon of King Joao I, features the collapsed pyramidal roof post-1755 Earthquake. The center holds the Tomb of King Joao I and Philippa de Lancaster, adorned with statues. Notable tombs include Henry the Navigator's, born in 1394.

Cloisters

The tour proceeds to the cloisters, later additions to the church. The Claustro Real (Royal Cloister) blends Gothic arches with Manueline lattice stonework, while the Claustro Dom Afonso V (Cloister of King Afonso V) follows conventional medieval designs, more austere in appearance.

Charter House

On the Claustro Real's eastern side, the Sala do Capitulo (Charter House) served for meetings and religious discussions. Impressive for medieval architecture, it spans 19m unsupported. Originally built with concern over collapse, only convicted criminals were employed. Now, it houses a memorial to the Unknown Soldier.

Unfinished Chapels

The final stage involves visiting the unfinished chapel (Capelas Imperfeitas) behind the main church. Often missed, it requires crossing Largo Infante Dom Henrique. Commissioned by Duarte I for royal burials, it remains incomplete due to the king's premature death in 1438 and the architect's demise. An early example of Manueline architecture, it features elaborate stone carving on pillars and houses King Duarte’s tomb.

Plan your visit to Batalha Monastery

Batalaha Monastery
  • 16th October to 31st March: From 09.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. (last admission at 5.30 p.m.)
  • 1st April to 15th October: From 09.00 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. (last admission 6.00 p.m.)
  • The Monastery’s opening hours may be extended by means of advanced booking, subject to conditions.
  • Closed: 1 January, Easter Sunday, 1 May and 25 December

Address: Largo Infante Dom Henrique, 2440-109 Batalha, Portugal

​Find on map

  • A8 motorway Lisbon - Leiria
  • A1 motorway Lisbon - Porto – exit Fátima/Batalha
  • IC2 Lisbon/Porto – exit Batalha
  • Interurban bus services (Largo 14 de Agosto, next to the Parish Church)
Batalha Monastery
  • Ticket office: The ticket office is located near the main entrance of the monastery. Visitors can purchase tickets to visit the church, the cloisters, the Founder's Chapel, and the unfinished chapels.
  • Information desk: The information desk is located near the ticket office. Visitors can ask questions about the monastery, get maps and brochures, and purchase souvenirs.
  • Restrooms: Restrooms are located near the ticket office and in the cloisters.
  • Bookshop: The bookshop sells books, postcards, and other souvenirs related to the monastery.
  • Cafeteria: The cafeteria is located near the cloisters and serves drinks, snacks, and light meals.
Batalha Monastery

The monastery is partially accessible to visitors with disabilities. There is a ramp leading to the main entrance, and some of the rooms on the ground floor are accessible by wheelchair.

Christmas in Lisbon - traditional Lisbon food

Mosteiro do Leitão (Batalha): located just steps from the monastery, this restaurant is known for its delicious pastries and light meals. They offer a variety of breads, cakes, and savory snacks, as well as a selection of hot and cold drinks. It's a great place to grab a quick bite before or after exploring the monastery.

Solar do Marquês: housed in a 17th-century palace Solar offers a fine dining experience. The menu features traditional Portuguese dishes with a modern twist, and the wine list is extensive. The restaurant has a beautiful garden setting, making it a perfect place for a special occasion.

Cantinho do Marquês: This family-run restaurant serves up hearty Portuguese home cooking. The menu includes dishes like grilled fish, stews, and roast meats. The restaurant is also known for its friendly atmosphere and reasonable prices.

Batalha monastery
  • Food and drink:
  • Food and drink are not allowed inside the monastery, except for water in sealed containers.

  • There are cafes and restaurants located near the monastery where you can purchase food and drinks.

  • Dress Code:
  • There is no formal dress code, but please dress modestly and respectfully.
  • Avoid wearing swimwear, tank tops, or other revealing clothing.
  • Luggage and bags:
  • Large bags and luggage are not allowed inside the monastery.
  • Lockers are available for storing your belongings.
https://cdn-imgix.headout.com/media/images/cfef944051041a9bb2d2bdfb407cbc01-19862-lisbon-batalha-monastery-05.jpeg
  • Alcobaça Monastery: Founded in the 12th century, this Cistercian masterpiece embodies Portugal's rich past. Witness its soaring Gothic architecture, serene cloisters, and the poignant tombs of King Pedro and Inês de Castro, a love story defying even death. Immerse yourself in the monastery's peaceful ambiance and unravel its centuries-old secrets.
  • Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima: Witness the immense white basilica rising against the hills, a poignant reminder of the Virgin Mary's apparition. Millions of pilgrims flock here year-round, seeking solace and spiritual renewal. Explore the expansive prayer grounds, museums, and historical sites, experiencing the power of faith and its global impact.
  • Castelo de Leiria: Perched atop a hill overlooking the city of Leiria, the Castelo de Leiria is a captivating monument that tells the story of Portugal's past. Built in the 12th century by King Afonso Henriques, the castle served as a royal residence, a military fortress, and a prison.

Visitors tips

  • Seek the Manueline marvels: Don't just admire the intricate Manueline style; decipher its symbolic language. Look for nautical motifs representing Portugal's Age of Discovery, and spot hidden representations of King Manuel I's personal motto.
  • Descend into the Founder's Chapel: Dive deep into the history of the monastery. This subterranean chapel, rarely visited, was built by King João I to commemorate his victory at Aljubarrota. Feel the weight of history in this dimly lit space.
  • Join a guided tour with a historical twist: Opt for a tour led by a historian or archaeologist. They can unveil stories beyond the usual visitor narrative, bringing the monastery's past to life with intriguing anecdotes and insights.
  • Explore the Founder's Tomb by night: Join a special evening tour that illuminates the Founder's Tomb from within. Witness the stunning stone carvings and intricate details bathed in an otherworldly glow, creating a truly unique experience.

Frequently asked questions about Batalha Monastery

The amount of time you spend at Batalha Monastery depends on your interests and pace. A quick visit can be done in 1-2 hours, while a more thorough exploration with guided tours and deeper dives into the details could take 3-4 hours. Consider your personal preferences and allocate time accordingly.