Not just Gothic, but Flamboyant Gothic! This UNESCO worthy monastery is a delight.
The Monastery of Batalha is located in the central Portuguese city of Batalha. Explains the name. It’s true name is the Mosteiro de Santa Maria da Vitória. Let’s just stick with Batalha.
Batalha is one of many stunning monasteries in Portugal. It’s so stunning, it needs to have a post all to itself. Constructed from the 14th-16th centuries, Batalha was constructed in the Flamboyant Gothic style. It’s a style of Late Gothic architecture that is absolutely ridiculous. It’s beyond intricate. It’s hard to explain, but easy to show.
Like I said, it’s ridiculous. Flamboyant Gothic emerged as a style during the construction of Batalha. It is really easy to see in the windows. I don’t have a close up though. I did not get enough pictures of the exterior.
Typical Gothic church entryway.
But it is a bit extra. All those little figures are different.
Large chapel on the side.
Even the side entry is ridiculous. Each one of those lines in the the stained glass window are stone.
The interior is cathedral quality. The nave rises to 106 ft (32.4 m), but it’s only 72 ft (22 m) wide. Very narrow, which emphasizes the height.
Even the aisles on the side are super narrow.
The bases of the columns have a fancy little detail similar to this. They are typically leaves or plants.
The theme continues a bunch of places.
Found this face though.
Back to that nave. It was raining pretty heavily outside that morning. This lighting was perfect.
I found this little door and I love it.
Flamboyant Gothic often has “S” shapes in its windows. The name came from this flowy style that reminded people of flames. Flamboyant has changed meaning since then, but it still is a perfect name.
The giant chapel seen on the outside, the 15th century Founder’s Chapel.
The center of the chapel is dominated by this insane octagon like dome.
Stunning.
Underneath the stunning octagon dome is the tomb of King João I (1357-1433) and his English wife, Queen Philippa of Lancaster (d. 1415). I wish you can see more of the top of the tomb.
The Founder’s Chapel served as the first royal pantheon in Portugal, serving the Avis family.
The pantheon has two kings, some queens and princes, notably, the tomb of Prince Henry the Navigator (1394-1460). He initiated Portugal’s early explorations at the dawn of the Age of Discovery.
Gorgeous stained glass windows.
Moving on to one of the two cloisters, the Cloister of King João I. Construction began in 1386, but it did not conclude until a new style of architecture emerged, Manueline.
Manueline is a Portuguese style that emerged in the 16th century. It takes bits from other styles of architecture from other countries. It’s kind of like a combination of Late Gothic and Renaissance.
tdlr: it’s ridiculous.
I don’t know why but I love this gargoyle.
The leaf theme continues.
The cloister is gorgeous.
The other side. The exterior of the church was in the process of being cleaned.
Gorgeous fountain.
Just look at this door!
Absolute insanity.
Entrance to the Chapter House.
The Chapter House used to be where the monk’s met. Now, it holds the tomb of two unknown soldiers killed in WWI, guarded by two military honor guards.
The Cloister of Afonso V (r. 1438-1481). It’s much more of an austere Gothic style, more common in the Mediterranean.
Simple but still stunning. Kind of reminds me of a simple Romanesque cloister, but with Gothic arches.
Smooshed into the back of the main church is the Unfinished Chapels. The unfinished entryway reminds me of the back of a French style cathedral, except the apse still has its windows.
The scaffolding of the cleaning crew can be seen on the upper left.
The Unfinished Chapels is a very accurate name. The roof was never constructed. I am really surprised that a modern one hasn’t been put up to protect the stone.
It was supposed to be a mausoleum for the family of King Duarte and his wife, Eleanor of Aragon. They were the only ones that ended up here. The chapel was closed to entry due to cleaning, but I’m glad they still let you take a peak. By recent photos on Google Maps, it’s looking great.
You exit the monastery in the back. These monastery buildings were on the simple cloister.
The exterior of the Unfinished Chapels. Massive pillars were built to support a large stone roof. Not sure why exactly it was not finished. King Duarte died early, leaving a minor son as King and there was some civil strife as a result.
The Monastery of Batalha is fantastic national monument, UNESCO World Heritage Site, and museum. The monastery is gorgeous and has its own unique bits that set it aside from other Portuguese monasteries. It’s a must visit. However, it’s not the easiest place to get to by public transportation. Super easy by car.
Tune in for my next update where I visit Tomar, which has another gorgeous monastery!
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