Batalha, PT

Monastery of Batalha

The Monastery of Batalha, is a Dominican monastery founded in 1386 under King John I of Portugal (1385-1433) in thanksgiving to the Virgin Mary for the victory over Castilian rivals in the battle of Aljubarrota (1383-1385). The monastery was built over two centuries until around 1563. It is a marvellous example of the Manueline style, which is why it has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The monastery was also voted in 2007 as one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal. It finally has the status of National Pantheon since 2016.

About this building

Key Features

  • Architecture
  • Monuments
  • Interior features
  • Links to national heritage
  • Famous people or stories

Visitors information

  • Car park at the building
  • Café within 500m

Other nearby buildings

Wikimedia Commons/Vitor Oliveira

Leiria Cathedral

Leiria Cathedral was built in the 16th century when King John III asked Pope Paul III to create the Diocese of Leiria. Construction began in 1559, and in 1574 the church was consecrated. The earthquake of 1755 caused severe damage to the main façade, reconstruction of which began the following year. Also due to the effects of the earthquake, a new bell tower in Baroque style had to be built in 1772. During the French Invasions (1810), a fire led to the partial destruction of the interior of the church.

Medieval Synagogue

The synagogue in Tomar was constructed between 1430 and 1460. In the early 17th century the synagogue served as a Christian chapel and was classified as a national monument in 1921. The building was restored in 1923 and turned into a museum by the Portuguese government in July 1939. Since then the building is a small Jewish Museum Abraao Zacuto (Abraham Zacuto) that hosts several medieval tomb slabs from Portugal.

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