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 Batalha Accommodation
Batalha Guest & Manor Houses
Batalha Hotels
Batalha Hotels & Spa
Batalha Inns
Batalha Entertainment
Batalha - Restaurants
Batalha - What to do
Batalha Golf Courses
Campo Real Golf Course
Bom Sucesso Golf Course
Praia Del Rey Golf Course
Royal Obidos Golf Course
West Cliffs Golf Course
Batalha - History
A few kilometres to the north of Alcobaça is the wondrous building
constructed in memory of the important battle of Aljubarrota that
occurred in 1385. Dom João I defeated the Castilians and ensuring
two hundred years of virtual independence from Spanish invaders. When the
King Dom Fernando I died without an heir to the throne it was
claimed by both his illegitimate brother Dom João I and Juan de
Castile of Spain on behalf of his wife. On the 14th of August of that
year the outnumbered army of Dom João I commanded by an outstanding
general, Nuno Álvares Pereira, faced the Spanish forces just south
of the present site of the Abbey. It is said that on the eve of the battle
Dom João made a vow to construct an unforgettable church in memory
of the Virgin Mary should he succeed in battle the next day. (Visit - Portugal History)
Batalha - Description
The construction of the Abbey of Santa Maria da Vitória at Batalha
commenced in 1388, and was later added to and enhanced by the various
Portuguese Kings over these next two centuries. Located proudly in a valley
this imposing structure is an outstanding example of combined Gothic and
Manueline architecture. Under its naves lies some of Portugal’s most historic
personalities during that period. Here you will find resting the tombs of
João I, his English wife Philippa of Lancaster, and their
famous offspring, Prince Henry the Navigator whose efforts and
determination helped to explore the then unknown world. In the Chapter house
lie two unknown soldiers from World War I thus giving the Abbey a true
military relationship to the 20th Century.
Batalha - Nearby Locations
To the south of is the town of Alcobaça that only became notable in
the 12th Century when it became the site for the important construction of
Portugal’s largest Abbey. To the north is the 16th Century town of
Leiria that is crowned with a 14th Century castle. It was in this
town that the King Dom Dinis held the first “Cortes”, a form
of Parliament open to common laymen.
To the east is the world famous religious shrine of Fátima. Whilst
to the west is the well-known fishing village of Nazaré. Today, the
village is now a small town and a popular holiday resort with most of its
past and traditions having rapidly evaporated in the course of time. To
the east is the 15th Century impressive castled town of Ourém, the
resting place of the famous general Dom Afonso Álvares Pereira.
This town has featured many times in the history of Portugal, it’s most
recent occasion when the plundering French army in 1810 sacked the town
and scattered in the surrounding countryside the bones of both Pereira
and the grandson of Dom João I.
Costa Prata Towns
Alcobaça
· Aveiro
· Caldas da Rainha
· Coimbra
· Fátima
· Leiria
· Óbidos
· Tomar
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Batalha Telephone Numbers
2440
