"Alcobaca - UNESCO site" a Alcobaça Travel Page by salinhopt

The main feature of the town is essentially the Abbey that proudly presents a long and somber facade with 18th Century embellishments. This austerity is further emphasized in the cloisters with its apt name of Cloister of Silence. In contrast within the Abbey is the massive kitchen with a running stream specially diverted to pass through as a supply of fresh water. The open area of the kitchen chimney is large enough to take a whole ox for roasting. The surround to the sacristy doorway is an outstanding example of Manueline decoration. In 1794, Lord Beckford visited the Abbey and commented that he found some 300 monks living in a very splendid manner!