The History of Batalha
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The long history of Batalha is filled with fascinating details. The name “Batalha”, which means ‘battle’ in Portuguese, hints at its origins – a city founded in honor of a decisive victory. This triumph was further immortalized by the construction of the impressive Batalha Monastery. This architectural marvel, a blend of Gothic and Manueline styles, served not only as a royal tomb but also as a powerful symbol of Portuguese resilience. The monastery’s enduring significance is reinforced by its recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Struggle for Independence
The history of the Portuguese city of Batalha is linked to the dynastic crisis of 1383-1385, after the death of King Fernando I of Portugal. Having no male heir, he left his daughter Beatrice to inherit the throne. This succession plan threatened to bring Portugal under the rule of the powerful Castilian crown.
Fearing subjugation, the Portuguese nobility rallied behind João, Master of Aviz, Fernando’s illegitimate half-brother. João proclaimed King João I of Portugal, led a vastly superior Portuguese army against the Castilians in the Battle of Aljubarrota on 14 August 1385. Despite the difficulties, the Portuguese emerged victorious, securing their independence and ushering in a new era of Aviz dynasty rule.
Monastery of Batalha
The newly minted king, deeply grateful to the divine forces in the person of the Virgin Mary for the victory, promised to build a magnificent monastery in her honor. Thus was born Batalha monastery history, which means ‘battle’ in Portuguese. Thus, in 1386, the foundation was laid for the Monastery of Santa Maria da Vitoria, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It was designed by the English architect Master Huguet. It is a harmonious combination of Gothic architectural styles of an octagonal space inscribed in a square, creating two separate but united volumes. An impressive eight-beam lantern in the shape of a star rises above the chapel, casting light on its interior. The most dramatic element of the chapel, however, is the majestic tomb of Don Juan I and his wife, Queen Philippa of Lancaster, located in its center. Along the walls of the chapel are niches containing the tombs of their sons, including the famous Prince Henry the Navigator.
The chapel is accessed by a majestic portal on the west side, which is decorated with sculptures of the twelve apostles standing on consoles. In the center of the portal is a relief statue of Christ in Majesty, surrounded by the evangelists. It is framed by six ceilings decorated with sculptures of biblical kings and queens, prophets, and angels holding medieval musical instruments. This majestic composition is completed by the coronation of the Virgin Mary.
Today, the Mosteiro de Santa Maria da Vitória is open to visitors, namely from 1 April to 15 October from 09.00 to 18.30 (last entrance at 18.00) and from 16 October to 31 March from 09.00 to 18.30 (last entrance at 18.00) from 09.00 to 18.00 visiting hours of Batalha Monastery(last entrance at 17.30). However, the opening hours can be extended by prior reservation under certain conditions. Batalha Monastery is closed on 1 January, Easter, 1 May and 25 December. Monastery ticket prices are as follows: individual tickets are 10€, group tickets must be purchased at least 48 hours in advance and are valid for one year:
- for > 250 tickets (of the same type), a 7.5% discount
- for > 500 tickets (of the same type): a 10% discount
- for > 1000 tickets (of the same type): 15% discount
Visitors can also buy a pre-paid ticket (if more than 50 people, you can buy it by email at least 48 hours in advance and the ticket is valid for one year), if fewer than 50 people, you can buy tickets online, the discount is the same as for group tickets. There are also special discounts for people over 65 years old, with proof of age, and people with disabilities in the amount of 50%. For large families, there is a 50% discount. And for people with a student card aged 13 to 24 years, they get a 50% discount.
Free admission visits to the monastery are also available on Sundays and public holidays for Portuguese residents, as well as researchers, teachers, students, sponsors, and children under 12. Tickets can be purchased at the monument or by email using a card, cash, or cheque. Visitors also offer themed tourist visits, for example, “Journey to the Monastery of the Past”, a tour of the monastery’s spaces and life in them according to the testimonies of foreign travelers of the 18th and 19th centuries. The Monastery of Batalha can be reached by motorway or by intercity bus (Largo 14 de Agosto, near the parish church), and the address of the Batalha Monastery is Largo Infante Dom Henrique, 2440-109 Batalha, Portugal.
