Monastery of Alkobas: excursion to Portugal

If you went on a trip to Portugal, then you need to visit the monastery of Alkobas. Our short article will tell you about the history of a religious institution. This Cistercian monastery is located in the small Portuguese town of Alkobas. It was founded by the first king of Portugal, Afonso Enriquez, in 1153. All nine centuries of existence the complex was inextricably linked with the royal dynasty of Portugal. And in 1989, UNESCO enlisted the monastery of Santa Maria de Alcobas in the World Heritage List 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 the construction began many years later, namely in 1178, when the monks of the Cistercian Order came to the Portuguese region. First white monks lived in wooden buildings, but in 1223 the monastic order moved to stone buildings. And by 1252 the construction of the temple came to an end.

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

The Age of Extensions and Destructions

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

But this is not the most terrible incident in the life of a beautiful abode. The monastery of Alkobas received a huge damage during the Napoleonic wars. His army defeated one of the richest and largest libraries, destroyed the graves, and also burned the interior of the church. In 1834 the religious order of the monks was disbanded, 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.

And what is inside?

The interior decoration of the monastery of Alkobas is rather modest. Its erection took place without any special decorations. Thus, it becomes clear why there are very few sculptures on the territory of the monastery. The most important of these is the statue of the Virgin Mary. The main structure is the basilica, it is three-nave. This means that the premises are stretched out like a ship. Along one of the two walls, there are arched vaults throughout the structure. The spectacle is amazing.

In the transverse nave (transept) are the royal tombs of Pedro the First and his favorites Inessa de Castro, who after death was recognized as his wife. Their tombs were created by unknown authors. The world art community considers these constructions 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-beasts and half-masters. The king has four sides of the tomb decorated with reliefs, and they depict various biblical stories, 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 and has many halls. The attention of visitors will be attracted by the chapel of St. Bernard, which is located in the south side of the monastery. A sculpture is located near it, which is the best work of the 17th century. Near the chapel of the earth are betrayed the bodies of the kings Afonso.

As shown by practice, interest in the visitors of the monastery is also caused by the pantheon of kings, who were built in the Gothic style. There are tombs of persons ruling at that time the dynasty and noble nobles. Most of all stands out the burial vault of Queen Urakka, which passed away in 1220. The grave is surrounded by reliefs depicting the apostles.

Attention deserves the hall in which the monks took food - the refectory. The white monks were instituted as follows: when all the brothers were eating, one of them read the Bible. The monastic hostel is a huge gothic hall. Surprisingly, there is not a single cell. All the brothers slept in one large hall. But the abbot had a separate room.

The kitchen of the monastery is also worthy of attention. Its walls were covered with tiles only in the XVIII century. Clean water and fresh fish fell into the dining room through a special canal, which originated in the Alcoa River. And in the kitchen there was a central exhaust pipe, it is supported by 8 metal columns.

Working hours of the monastery of Alkobas

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

The entrance ticket costs 6 euros, but if you want to visit just three monasteries, then you will have to buy a combined ticket, the cost of which is 15 euros.

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