The Batalha Monastery (Mosteiro de Batalha) in central Portugal is a stunning example of Late Gothic architecture and one of the country’s most important historical landmarks. Built to commemorate Portugal’s victory over Castile at the Battle of Aljubarrota in 1385—a triumph that secured the nation’s independence—it stands as both a spiritual and national symbol.
Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, the monastery’s intricate stonework, vast naves, and haunting unfinished chapels create an atmosphere that is both grand and otherworldly, making it one of the most extraordinary monasteries we’ve visited in Portugal.
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Getting to the Monastery of Batalha
The easiest option, of course, is to drive. We were able to park very close to the monastery and walk to the courtyard area for lunch and shopping. There is a bus from Lisbon to Batalha that takes about 2 hours and costs about €20. You can also opt for a private tour day trip from Lisbon that includes Tomar, Alcobaça, and Óbidos, three cities we love!
We also have a list of private tour guides who can personalize your tour specifically to your needs.
Admission is €15 to see the Founders Chapel, Royal Cloister, and Unfinished chapels. You can visit the Main church and nave for free. There is also a ticket you can purchase to visit all the monasteries if you are interested.
History of the Batalha Monastery
In August of 1385, King João I made a vow to God that if they won the battle of Aljubarrota against the Castilian Army, he would build a monastery on the spot. Thus, the construction of the Mosteiro de Santa Maria da Vitória (Monastery of Saint Mary of the Victory) began in 1388. D. João hired the first architect, Afonso Domingues, who created the main design of the monastery.
When Domingues died in 1402, Catalan architect Huguet took over and designed and built most of the rest of it until he died in 1437. He began work on the Mausoleum for King Duarte, which was never completed, and is thus called the Capelas Imperfeitas. It was King Manuel I, son of King Duarte, who called in Mateus Fernandes to construct the portal and much of the Manueline art that makes the monastery a work of art.
João I also gave the monastery to the Dominican Order, which founded a school for theological studies. They left in the 19th century when all religious orders were eradicated. Today, the monastery is a grand symbol of Portuguese cultural heritage and is a National Monument that has been gradually restored since 1840.
The Tour
You can, of course, get a private tour of the monastery, but we opted to use the pamphlet and walk through ourselves. The ticket office is to the left of the main entrance of the church, by the courtyard. This is the order in which you travel through the monastery.
Main Church and Nave
The church of the monastery of Saint Mary of the Victory was the first to be built. Construction started in 1388 and was finished by 1434. It is one of the largest churches in Portugal and was designed by Huguet. When you enter from the main portal of the church, you can see just how vast it is.
The ceiling is 106.6 feet tall (32.5m), and the aisles of pews seem to go on for days. At the front of the nave sits the altar and a large statue of Jesus on the cross. You can spend a great deal of time admiring the stained-glass windows and the sheer vastness of the nave.
Founder’s Chapel
Just to the right side of the nave, when you enter through the front door, is the Founders Chapel, built for King João I by the famous architect Huguet. It was constructed between 1426-1434 and was to be the first royal pantheon, a resting place for him and his children, including the famous Largo Infante Dom Henrique (Prince Henry the Navigator).
It is the first joint tomb in Portugal with King João I and his wife Queen Philippa of Lancaster, buried in an enormous tomb underneath the eight-pointed star of the ceiling.
When you enter the room, you can see the large tombs in the middle, but you don’t quite see how grand they are until you stand with them under the octagon. We walked around the edge of the tomb where João’s descendants are also laid to rest and marveled at the work it took to construct these tombs.
Royal Cloister of João I
As you exit off the side of the nave, you enter the Royal Cloister (claustro real) of D. João I. There is a beautiful walkway and garden area, but what makes this cloister special is the Manueline carvings and arches that complete the “windows” and walkways that lead out into the garden area. The amount of time and craftsmanship that was put into this is extraordinary.
The Chapter House
Off to the side of the Royal Cloister is a large vault known as the Chapter House. Master Huguet built this huge room with no center support, which was an incredible feat during his day. Today, it is known to house the graves of the unknown soldiers who fought in World War I.
Royal Cloister of Afonso V
After you walk through the Royal Cloister of João I, you exit to the left and come to the old refectory and Unknown Soldier Offerings Museum. You can see many of the artifacts that people have dedicated over the years. Walk through the corridor and then enter the Royal Cloister of Alfonso V.
This part of the monastery was built during his reign of Portugal (1438-1477) and is the first cloister to feature a two-story walkway. It is simpler than the cloister for João I, but it was for the day-to-day use of the monks.
Imperfect Chapels
Once you exit through the gift shop and walk around the outside of the monastery, you enter the Unfinished Chapels.
The Unfinished Chapels or Capelas Imperfeitas are the most intricately decorated marvel of the monastery. The Portal was designed by Mateus Fernandes and demonstrates his expertise in Manueline art. The chapels were initiated by Huguet, but his death, as well as the death of King Duarte, put a hold on the construction of the chapels. King Manuel I stepped in and tried to have them finished, but was not able to as well. The balcony was finished in 1533, but it was the last attempt to finish the chapels by King João III.
Today, one of the 7 chapels houses King Duarte and his wife, Eleanor of Aragon.
Other Monasteries we have visited
Portugal is home to more than 500 monasteries and convents, many of which welcome visitors eager to explore the country’s deep spiritual and architectural history. Several have been transformed into fascinating museums, such as the National Tile Museum (Museu Nacional do Azulejo) in Lisbon and the Maritime Museum housed within part of the Jerónimos Monastery complex in Belém.
Among all the monasteries in Portugal, the Batalha Monastery may be the most breathtaking, with its soaring Gothic architecture and intricate stonework. The Convent of Christ (Convento de Cristo) in Tomar, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, is equally impressive—renowned for its remarkable Charola (round church) and the famous Manueline-style window. The town of Tomar itself is delightful to explore, especially with the Castle of the Knights Templar located right beside the convent.
Another must-visit is the Monastery of Alcobaça (Mosteiro de Alcobaça), a masterpiece of Cistercian architecture that houses the legendary tombs of King Pedro I and Inês de Castro, Portugal’s most famous star-crossed lovers.
In Lisbon, the Jerónimos Monastery (Mosteiro dos Jerónimos) remains one of the city’s top attractions; visitors can enter the grand church for free or pay a small fee to admire the stunning cloisters. Though our visit there was brief, the monastery’s beauty and history left a lasting impression.
Final Thoughts
Visiting the Batalha Monastery is an unforgettable journey through Portugal’s history, art, and national pride. Its soaring arches, intricate stonework, and haunting unfinished chapels tell stories of devotion, craftsmanship, and the country’s enduring independence. Unlike some of Portugal’s other monasteries, Batalha feels both majestic and intimate; a place where silence and stone come together to inspire awe.
Whether you’re drawn by its Gothic architecture, its connection to the Battle of Aljubarrota, or simply its peaceful beauty, this UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the most remarkable places to visit in Portugal and an essential stop on any cultural or historical itinerary.
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Shelley is a full-time traveler, writer, and podcaster based in Portugal, where she lives with her wife and their beloved bulldog, Scoot. Originally from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Shelley is a former history teacher who swapped the classroom for cobblestone streets and passport stamps. These days, she explores Portugal and Europe in search of fascinating stories, unforgettable sights, and local flavor—then shares it all through her blog and podcast, Wandering Works for Us, where curiosity meets adventure (and sometimes wine).