Lisbon

The most popular and breathtaking thing to see in Batalha is the world famous monastery named Mosteiro De Santa Maria da Vitoria. This Gothic architecture wonder was built by King Joao I to celebrate a huge victory against Spain after he was outnumbered and ill-equipped but asked the Virgin to give him victory by praying, and later on he won the battle.

Most of Batalha's tourist attractions are built around the monastery so that's where you'll find some nice places to eat and big hills with huge wine production. The monastery is an absolute gem and a real example of remarkable stonework and beautiful design in Gothic architecture. Wonderful archways will lead you to magical and mysterious chambers and chapels inside of the monastery. Inside you'll find a vast amount of tombs that belong to some important people in Portuguese history. In the Chapel of Founders, you'll be able to see carved figures of King Joao and his English wife Philippa of Lancaster that are laying peacefully, holding hands and protecting their final resting place. Part of the monastery is dedicated to a museum which holds the memories of fallen Portuguese soldiers throughout history. Around the monastery, there are beautiful gardens and a 20th-century statue dedicated to the Portuguese general Nuno Alvares. In August of every year, huge celebrations are held around the monastery to commemorate the famous victory over Spain. The construction of the Monastery lasted several reigns so there is a big amount of different styles and still unfinished chapels.

There isn't much else in Batalha which is why most of the tours from Lisbon include a stop to Batalha together with Obidos and Fatima, the nearby bigger towns. You should definitely bring your camera and enjoy this excellent unique piece of Gothic architecture and a big part of Portuguese history that is celebrated over the country. Take a tour and enjoy the wonders this place will provide you with!