Alcobaça Monastery: excursion to Portugal

2024 Author: Henry Conors | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-12 02:54

If you went on a trip to Portugal, then you need to visit the monastery of Alcobaça. Our short article will tell about the history of a religious institution. This Cistercian monastery is located in the small Portuguese town of Alcobaça. It was founded by the first king of Portugal, Afonso Henriques, in 1153. All 9 centuries of its existence, the complex was inextricably linked with the royal dynasty of Portugal. And in 1989, UNESCO listed the Monastery of Santa Maria de Alcobaça as a World Heritage Site for its great historical and artistic significance.

Foundation of the monastery

When in 1147 the Portuguese king and his army defeated the Moors, it was decided to build a monastery in honor of this victory. But construction began many years later, namely in 1178, when the monks of the Cistercian order came to the Portuguese region. At first, white monks lived in wooden buildings, but already in 1223 the monastic order moved to stone buildings. And by 1252 the construction of the temple came to an end.

In the 13th century they completed the construction of a Gothic temple. This was the final touch in the history of the construction of the monastery of Alcobaça in Portugal. In the second half of the thirteenth centurya public school is opened on its territory. Most of the monks worked in the large agricultural fields. And during the XIII-XIV centuries, members of the ruling dynasty were buried in this monastery. Today, the tombs of such persons as Afonso II, Afonso III, Pedro the First, Beatrice of Castile and Inesse de Castro have been preserved. They sleep forever in gothic tombs.

Age of expansion and destruction

In the 18th century, significant changes took place on the territory of the monastery complex. Its area has expanded significantly. The monks added a new cloister, as well as a tower that was adjacent to the church building. Surprisingly, the medieval style of construction has been preserved. But, unfortunately, in 1755 there was a strong earthquake. However, it did not cause significant damage, only some buildings were damaged, as well as the sacristy.

But this is not the most terrible incident in the life of a beautiful monastery. The monastery of Alcobaça received huge damage during the Napoleonic wars. His army destroyed one of the richest and largest libraries, destroyed the graves, and also set fire to the interior of the church. In 1834, the religious order of the monks was dissolved, as a result of which they left the monastery. Therefore, today it is one of the most beautiful and popular tourist attractions in modern Portugal.

What's inside?

The interior of the Alcobaça monastery is quite modest. Its construction took place without any special decorations. Thus, it becomes clear why there are very few sculptures on the territory of the monastery. mostthe main one is the statue of the Mother of God - the Virgin Mary. The main building is the basilica, it has three naves. This means that the rooms are elongated like a ship. Along one of the two walls throughout the building there are arched vaults. The sight is amazing.

In the transverse nave (transept) are the royal tombs of Pedro the First and his mistress Iness de Castro, who after her death was recognized as his wife. Their tombs were created by unknown authors. The world art community considers these structures a masterpiece of Gothic sculpture. The thing is that the tomb of Pedro the First is held by statues of lions, and the tomb of his wife is supported by half-animals and half-men. The king's four sides of the tomb are decorated with reliefs, and they depict various biblical scenes, in particular episodes from the life of St. Bartholomew. The female tomb is decorated with episodes from the life of the Son of God.

Other rooms

The monastery is very large in area, it has many halls. The attention of visitors will be drawn to the chapel of St. Bernard, which is located on the south side of the monastery. Near it is a sculpture, which is the best work of the 17th century. Near the chapel, the bodies of the kings of Afonso are interred.

As practice has shown, visitors to the monastery are also interested in the pantheon of kings, which was built in neo-Gothic style. There are tombs of people of the ruling dynasty at that time and noble nobles. Most notable is the tomb of Queen Urakka, who passed away in 1220. gravesurrounded by reliefs depicting the apostles.

Attention deserves also the hall in which the monks ate - the refectory. The white monks used to do this: when all the brothers had a meal, one of them read the Bible. The monastic hostel is a huge Gothic hall. Surprisingly, there is not a single cell here. All the brothers slept in one large hall. But the abbot had a private room.

The kitchen of the monastery also deserves attention. Its walls were covered with tiles only in the 18th century. Clean water and fresh fish entered the dining room through a special channel that originated in the Alcoa River. And in the kitchen there was a central exhaust pipe, it is supported by 8 metal columns.

Alcobaça Monastery opening hours

The monastery complex receives visitors daily from morning to evening. October-March: from 9:00 to 18:00. In the warm season, the complex works for an hour longer. April-September: from 9:00 to 19:00. Days off: January 1, Easter, May 1, August 20, December 25.

Entrance ticket costs 6 euros, but if you want to visit three monasteries at once, you will have to buy a combined ticket, which costs 15 euros.

Our article has come to an end. Alcobaça Monastery in Portugal is a very beautiful, quiet and mysterious place. Not so long ago it was restored. Today, you can often visit a chamber concert that takes place within the walls of the monastery. Have a good trip!