Batalha Monastery
Batalha, Portugal
A flamboyant Gothic monastery built to celebrate the victory of Aljubarrota in 1385, with the roofless Unfinished Chapels. The church is free; tickets cover the cloisters and chapels.
King João I had the Monastery of Santa Maria da Vitória built after the victory at Aljubarrota (1385), and it is seen as a symbol of Portuguese independence. Building began in 1386 and continued into the early 16th century. The limestone of the façade glows especially golden in the early morning and late afternoon. The nave of the church is just over 32 m high. The Founder's Chapel holds the tombs of João I, Queen Philippa of Lancaster and other members of the royal family. The Royal Cloister is richly decorated, the Afonsine Cloister plainer. The “Unfinished Chapels” (Capelas Imperfeitas), commissioned by King Duarte in 1437, were left without a roof; they combine late Gothic and Manueline forms. The monastery has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983.
Entry to the church is free; you need a ticket for the Founder's Chapel, the cloisters and the chapter house. The Unfinished Chapels are usually the last stop on the tour. Allow about one to two hours.
- Nearest town
- Batalha, Portugal
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 39.6591, -8.8255
- 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 February–March, July–August and December. (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
- Stellplatz São MamedeMotorhome stopover10 km from Batalha MonasteryMotorhomes
- LandshauseMotorhome stopover13 km from Batalha MonasteryMotorhomes
- ASA de PataiasMotorhome stopover16 km from Batalha MonasteryMotorhomesWaste disposalFree
- Litoral outdoorMotorhome stopover17 km from Batalha MonasteryMotorhomesWaste disposalFree
- Área de Serviço com Zona de Pernoita para Caravanas e Autocaravanas AlcobaçaMotorhome stopover18 km from Batalha Monastery · 24 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityToiletsWaste disposalWi-FiFree
- Camping Orbitur ValadoCampsite21 km from Batalha Monastery
All campsites in Portugal · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Batalha Monastery?
Batalha Monastery is in Batalha, Portugal, at GPS 39.6591, -8.8255. It is about 18 km from Alcobaça.
Can you camp near Batalha Monastery?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Parque Campismo das Pedreiras, about 10 km away; within 25 km there are 18 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Batalha Monastery?
Batalha Monastery is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Portugal’s Silver Coast: Mafra to the great monasteries.
What is there to see near Batalha Monastery?
Places worth a stop nearby: Alcobaça Monastery (18 km), Farol da Nazaré (23 km), Convent of Christ (35 km) and Óbidos (44 km).
When is the best time to visit Batalha Monastery?
The most pleasant months are usually April–June and September–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in February–March, July–August and December. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)