About Alcobaça Monastery

Very few are immune to the charm of small towns. Even those who reside in quiet neighbourhoods may find it difficult to resist the allure of the scenic town of Alcobaça in central Portugal. While you are in the town, ensure that you go to see the popular Alcobaça Monastery. This Roman Catholic monastery is said to be one of the first few Gothic buildings to have been built in the country. Till date, this remains the biggest church in Portugal. Run by the state, the monastery has now been converted to a museum. In response to the Christian Crusades that drove the Moors from central Portugal, the new ruling dynasty wanted to demonstrate its power so it commissioned this enormous church. In 1153, King Afonso Henriques asked Saint Bernard to build the church. Soon after the church, the monastery was built. It has various other stories linked to it that sheds light on the ideologies and thought processes of that era. Irrespective of this, the structure itself is worth mentioning. It is no wonder, that the monastery museum is such a popular tourist destination! Also, you should see the tombs of King Pedro and his wife Inês. Try to get a tour arranged, to know the history and stories associated with this enormous edifice.

Must See

  • A glance at the tombs of King Pedro and his wife Inês.
  • Museum managed by the famous monastery.
  • Notice the small details of art at the cloister, such as rose windows, gargoyles, column capitals, etc.
  • You enjoy the scenic town of Alcobaça in central Portugal from the top floor.

How to reach

It is 120.6 km away from the city centre. You can take Rede Expressos to Leiria and from there you can board a local Rodotejo bus to Alcobaca. Getting there through the public is a difficult task, but possible. 

The local Rodotejo bus will cost you 7€ and the metro tickets will range from 2€ to 5€.

Tips

  • Weekends should be avoided.
  • Silence should be maintained.
  • Finding guides is difficult here.
  • Ticket lines can take a lot of time, so it would be better if you book a ticket online.
  • Various workshops at arranged, try to visit during this time.
  • Toilets may be chargeable.
  • Most of the areas are wheelchair accessible.

Visit Time

Sunday                                                        9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Monday                                                       9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday                                                      9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday                                                 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Thursday                                                     9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Friday                                                          9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Saturday                                                      9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Time Icon

Waiting Time

1 hour

 

Entrance Fee Icon

Entrance Fee

No

 

Time you can spend Icon

Time you can spend

1 to 2 hours

 

Weather Icon

Weather

Broken Clouds 9.85°C

 

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