Monasteiro de Santa Maria and other Alcobaça, Portugal Things to Do Tips

The main Abbey Church is the largest in Portugal. The Abbey itself was founded in the 12th century, the Church completed in 1223 (although started in 1147 following King Alfonso Henriques defeat of the Moors at Santorem).

This facade though is an 18th century edition - all Baroque curlicures etc and thus masks the deeply impressive Gothic interior.

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Simplicity itself - austere and huge, emphasising the meekness of mankind. Thankfully all the baroque additions similar to the facade have been removed, leaving the 'vertical' to speak for itself. Which it most definitely does.

From the Nave, do not miss the Chapter House, Refectory and Kitchen - more examples of austere architecture and living, restored to their Gothic glory.

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The tragic story of Ines de Castro and Dom Pedro are permanently etched into the history of Alcobaca as their tombs are to found in the transepts.

The love affair between Dom Pedro and Ines de Castro is the epic of Portuguese literature.
Son and heir to the throne, Dom Pedro was forbidden to marry Ines, daughter of a Galician nobleman who was thus seen to be a potential overpowering Spanish influence on the Portuguese throne. They married in secret, but King Afonso IV had her murdered.
Following his father's death just two years later, Dom Pedro bought the killers to justice - personally tearing their hearts out! I think he's lost it a bit by then, as he went on to exhume the body of Ines and have the entie court kiss the decomposed hand of 'their queen'!!! Some say gruesome, some say poignant. I'll leave it to you -:)

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Another of the highlights of the monastery is the Cloister of Dom Dinis. An incredibly beautiful and yet simple design, built by the 'poet-king' Dom Dinis, it is also known as the Cloister of Silence.

A Manueline second floor was added in the 16th century.

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