Alcobaça Monastery

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983, this imposing monastery is one of the most impressive and beautiful examples of Cistercian architecture in the whole of Europe.
Construction began in 1178 and was completed around 100 years later. At the time, the master masons of the Cistercian Order experimented with a new “mode” of construction – Gothic – introducing this architectural language to Portuguese territory. The white-robed monks created a unique work of civilization in the region, the first example of which is the public school established in 1269.

The grandiose central nave, stripped of any adornment, produces a feeling of elevation and spirituality. At the center of each arm of the transept we can see two masterpieces of medieval statuary, the tombs of Pedro I (1357-67) and Inês, placed face to face so that they can meet again on the Day of Resurrection.

Opening hours: October to March: 09h00 to 18h00 April to September: 09h00 to 19h00. The ticket office closes 30 minutes before the monument closes.

Closed: January 1, Easter Sunday, May 1, August 20 and December 25.