Visiting the Alcobaca Monastery

The Alcobaça Monastery is one of the largest and most important medieval abbeys in Europe. It’s a vast, austere Cistercian church that holds the tombs of Portugal’s most famous tragic lovers, Pedro and Inês. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site, and close to Nazaré and Óbidos.

Quick answer: Alcobaça is about 1.5 hours north of Lisbon, 15 minutes from Nazaré. The church is free. A ticket covers the Cloister of Silence, the monks’ dormitory and the giant kitchen. Don’t miss the tombs of Pedro and Inês. Allow 1 to 1.5 hours. See places to stay in Alcobaça.

About the monastery

Portugal’s first king, Afonso Henriques, gave the land to the Cistercian order in the 12th century. The church is one of the first Gothic buildings in Portugal, impressive for its sheer height and simplicity.

Pedro and Inês

Prince Pedro fell in love with Inês de Castro, a lady-in-waiting. His father, the king, had her murdered. When Pedro became king, he took revenge on her killers and, according to legend, had her body crowned queen. Their magnificently carved tombs face each other across the transept, so that on Judgement Day they’ll rise and see each other first.

What to see

• The church and the tombs.
• The Cloister of Silence: a peaceful two-storey Gothic cloister.
• The kitchen: a huge tiled room with an enormous chimney and a stream diverted through it to supply fresh water and fish.
• The refectory and dormitory.
• The Kings’ Room: statues of Portuguese kings and tile panels.

Nearby

• Nazaré: see Nazaré.
• Batalha: see the Batalha Monastery.
• Óbidos: see Óbidos.

Tips

• Sweets: try the convent pastries in the town’s cafés. See Portuguese desserts.
• Tours: some Fátima, Nazaré and Óbidos tours stop here. See tours.

More: UNESCO sites in Portugal and the Silver Coast.

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