Alcobaça Monastery sits in the town of Alcobaça, in the Leiria district of Portugal, on Praça 25 de Abril. It is also known as the Mosteiro de Alcobaça and the Royal Abbey of Santa Maria of Alcobaça. Its founding dates to the 12th century, and it was built for the Cistercian order. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
What to see
The monastery is a large monument, and most visitors come to walk through its halls and admire its scale. Among its best-known features is the pair of tombs of King Pedro I and Inês de Castro. Their story is one of the most often told in Portuguese history, and many visitors come specifically to see the tombs.
Planning your visit
- Location: Praça 25 de Abril, 2460-018 Alcobaça, Portugal
- Contact: +351 262 505 120
- Best for: History lovers, architecture enthusiasts and anyone interested in medieval religious life
Because the monastery is a historic site, plan for a visit that takes time to explore its spaces at an unhurried pace. The monastery is set in a small town, so you can combine your trip with a walk around the local streets and the town's relaxed centre.