Batalha is a small, peaceful town famous for its UNESCO-listed Gothic monastery. It dominates the buildings of the center, the life of which is dedicated to the service of tourists coming to it.
The city was founded around 1500, but the history of this place is closely related to the fights for Portugal's independence from Castile in the 14th century. In 1385, during the Battle of Aljubarrotą, King John I the Great defeated the Castilian army led by John I of Castile. The battlefield is located a few kilometers from the center of today's Batalha and can be visited while in the area.
In thanking God, and especially Mary for the victory, King John I founded the Monastery of Our Lady of Victory in Batalha, which is the greatest attraction of the whole area. The name of the village means "battle" and also refers to this battle.
Visiting the monastery in Batalha includes both a visit to the monumental Gothic church and the monastery buildings. The structure remains unfinished, and this is best seen in Imperfect Chapels that were built as a pantheon for the rulers. There is also a founder's chapel and magnificent cloisters. Batalha Monastery is considered to be one of the most important Portuguese monuments presenting the transition between the Gothic and Manueline styles.
