Ancient Facade, well mostly . . . and other Alcobaça, Portugal Things to Do Tips

The monastery was founded in 1153 by Dom Alfonso Henriques to honor a vow he had made to St. Bernard after capture the city of Santarem from the Moors six years earlier. The actual construction didn't begin for another twenty five years and wasn't finished until the early 1200s. Today, much of the original facade is a result of renovations in the 17th and 18th centuries. The rose window and doorway are original.

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The nave of the church is enormous, although it's much longer than it is wide. I was blown away at the size of the pillars. They are enormous and it makes you wonder how they built such a thing in the 12th century!
The light inside was pretty good for taking pictures too, which is a rarity inside of most cathedrals. There didn't seem to be any restrictions on the use of flash either, so snap away!

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The monastery also includes some beautiful cloisters as well as a kitchen and refectory that aren't to be missed. You can probably visit the whole thing in an hour or so, but if you're a lover of architecture like me, you'll want to stay longer.

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The monastery acts as the burial place for some famous people. Most notable are the tombs of Dom Pedro and Dona Ines, the main characters of Portugal's most famous love story. Dom Pedro, son of Dom Alfonso IV, fell in love with Dona Ines, but even after his wife died, Dom Pedro was not allowed to marry Ines because of her Spanish family's political influence. Dom Alfonso IV would not formally allow the marriage, but secretly the two lovers married and when Dom Alfonso IV found out, he had Ines killed. Two years later, when Dom Pedro took the throne, it is said that he ripped out and ate the hearts of Ines' murderers. He then exhumed her body, crowned her head and had his court honor her by kissing her decomposing hand!! Wow. What a story.

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All of the sarcophagi in the church or beautifully carved and you'll want to spend a few minutes looking at the details of each one. Look at the little angels guarding this carved body on top of this sarcophagus.

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