I've seen a lot of monasteries in my time but never the likes of this. It's huge - built in a square with sides some 200 metres in length. Entry to the church, described as the largest in Portugal, is free. It costs a few euros to enter the monastery itself. The entrance hall is decorated with picture tiles and... More

Incredibly old, graceful and light, the cathedral continues to play an important part in the citizens' lives. The cloister gardens (free until 13:00 on Sun.) have a fabulous collection of capitals and columns. A special treat is the kitchen. So much to explore, but be there early if you want to feel it's peace. If there is no service going... More

This is one of the many Monasteries in Portugal which show the influence of the Catholic Church many centuries back. Now it looks like a very large church and the area around it is very much empty. If you´re driving by, stop and have a look, but not worth the trip if you're going there just to see it.

Along with Tomar and Batalha, the Monastery at Alcobaca is also NOT TO BE MISSED!! As with the other sites, a plethora of guidebooks, histories of the site, art historical and architectural information exists. DO VISIT!!!!

We only looked the free part of it and was very nice. A Bit sinister, but...

Very beautifull and well preserved Monastery. It's impressive on the outside and even better inside.

I was very impressed when I saw the Monastery with living quarters on either side. It is a very large structure and a wedding party had just left the building when we arrived in Alcobaca. We stayed in a Hotel opposite the Monastery and that night on the balcony we could see the incredibly lit building in a shroud of... More

Tourists visiting Alcobaca Monastery and Bathala Monastery in Portugal should be aware that thieves lurk at these sites to spot and then follow tourists with the intention to break into their car to steal their luggage. This happened to me 2 weeks ago. I noticed a scruffy man outside Bathala Monastery while I was sitting at a cafe on the... More