Alcobaça Monastery
Alcobaça, Portugal
A Cistercian abbey founded in the 12th century, with a vast plain Gothic church holding the carved tombs of King Pedro I and Inês de Castro. Parking around the square in front.
King Afonso Henriques founded Alcobaça Monastery in 1153, after he had taken Santarém from the Moors in 1147. It follows the model of Clairvaux Abbey and is one of Portugal's earliest Cistercian buildings. Construction began in 1178 and the church was consecrated in 1252. At about 106 m long, with aisles around 20 m high, it is regarded as the largest church in the country, its walls plain and unadorned. The Gothic tombs of King Peter I and Inês de Castro lie in the transept. Also worth seeing are the Cloister of Silence and the monastery kitchen, clad in 18th-century azulejos. The monastery has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1989.
Entry to the church is free, but you need a ticket for the cloister and other rooms. Allow about one to two hours. It can be busier in summer, and it is likely to be quieter between October and March. Check times and prices on the official website beforehand.
- Nearest town
- Alcobaça, Portugal
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 39.5484, -8.9800
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–June and September–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and December–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Portugal: Electronic tolls by number plate. Some motorways only have electronic tolls; register your plate or rent a transponder. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Área de Serviço com Zona de Pernoita para Caravanas e Autocaravanas AlcobaçaMotorhome stopover1 km from Alcobaça Monastery · 24 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityToiletsWaste disposalWi-FiFree
- Litoral outdoorMotorhome stopover6 km from Alcobaça MonasteryMotorhomesWaste disposalFree
- Camping Orbitur ValadoCampsite9 km from Alcobaça Monastery
- Parque de Campismo Baía AzulCampsite14 km from Alcobaça MonasteryCaravansWi-Fi
- LandshauseMotorhome stopover17 km from Alcobaça MonasteryMotorhomes
- Casa AzzurraMotorhome stopover24 km from Alcobaça MonasteryMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterWaste disposalWi-Fi
All campsites in Portugal · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Alcobaça Monastery?
Alcobaça Monastery is in Alcobaça, Portugal, at GPS 39.5484, -8.9800. It is about 10 km from Nazaré.
Can you camp near Alcobaça Monastery?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Área de Serviço com Zona de Pernoita para Caravanas e Autocaravanas Alcobaça, about 1 km away; within 25 km there are 25 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Alcobaça Monastery?
Alcobaça Monastery is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Portugal’s Silver Coast: Mafra to the great monasteries.
What is there to see near Alcobaça Monastery?
Places worth a stop nearby: Farol da Nazaré (11 km), Batalha Monastery (18 km), Óbidos (26 km) and Cabo Carvoeiro (42 km).
When is the best time to visit Alcobaça Monastery?
The most pleasant months are usually April–June and September–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and December–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)