"I wish I had lived there in the 12th century" Alcobaça by berenices

Alcobaça is a small town, but the monastery so dominates it and the surrounding areas, that whenever one hears the name Alcobaça, the first and only image that comes to mind is this majestic and jaw-dropping work of architecture, it doesn't leave room for anything else in one's mind.

The facade of the monastery is impressive, no doubt. But it looks similar to other big churches and monasteries -- nothing very unique there. I feel rightfully impressed for sure. But it's when I go in, and stand between those great columns that seem to stretch forever heavenwards with nothing to block the view, nothing to distract, that I feel its greatness. Alcobaça is austere, white, pure. It achieves what other monasteries fail to do, Alcobaça humbles. I feel very small here. And I feel very human.