Royal Monastery of Santa Maria de Alcobaça

Being one of the first Cistercian monastic foundations in Portugal, the Monastery of Alcobaça became the main house of this religious Order, thanks to constant protection by the Portuguese kings, begun by the first, D. Afonso Henriques. The medieval dependencies still present make the Alcobaça Monastery a unique complex in the world. These were later joined by new constructions from the 16th and 18th centuries, witnessing the evolution of Portuguese architecture.

Considered the most beautiful Gothic church of the Cistercian Order in Europe, it was also considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The church was built in the Middle Ages and is the first and largest with an early Gothic style.

The importance of the Alcobaça Monastery evolved progressively culturally, religiously and ideologically. Its monumentality is evident, as is its clean and austere architecture. It is the first attempt at Gothic architecture in Portugal, which was not continued and was not reproduced until much later, functioning as an almost isolated pole, a white jewel in the landscape.

If you choose to go and see this beautiful monastery, be sure to visit the impressive set of medieval outbuildings, including the Refectory, the Dormitory and the Chapter Room, as well as the Cloister of D. Dinis, the surprising Kitchen and the Living Room. of Kings.

The Monastery of Alcobaça, also known as the Royal Monastery of Santa Maria de Alcobaça (official name in the Congregation of Alcobaça), is located in Alcobaça, in the district of Leiria, central region of the country.

It was the first fully Gothic work erected on Portuguese soil, and its construction began in 1178 on the hills of the Cistercian Order.

In 1910 it was classified as a National Monument, in 1989 a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and in 2007 it was elected one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal.