Description Batalha

Batalha is a Portuguese village in the district of Leiria, in the province of Beira Litoral, integrating the Intermunicipal Community of the Region of Leiria, in the Center of Portugal, with about 8 000 inhabitants.

It is the seat of a municipality with 103.42 km² in area and 15 805 inhabitants (2011), subdivided into 4 parishes. The municipality is limited to the north and west by the municipality of Leiria, to the east by Ourém, to the southeast by Alcanena and to the southwest by Porto de Mós.

The town of Batalha grew up alongside the Monastery of Santa Maria da Vitória, whose construction began in 1386, and which was erected in fulfillment of a vote by D. João I, king of Portugal, who promised Our Lady its construction if Portugal defeated Castile at the Battle of Aljubarrota on 14 August 1385. Annually in August, there are great celebrations next to the monastery that celebrate this victory.

A masterpiece of Portuguese Gothic, the Monastery of Batalha is a magnificent architectural example in which various influences are mixed due to its extensive construction period that spanned several kingdoms.

Inside, the Chapel of the Founders stands out with magnificent stained glass windows, the cloisters, the Imperfect or unfinished chapels, profusely decorated with elements in Manueline and flaming Gothic style, and the Chapter Room.

Around the Monastery, some eighteenth-century houses are preserved, one of them converted into a Pousada, and the Igreja Matriz, with a beautiful Manueline portal, deserves special reference.