The Mosteiro De Alcobaça is a massive, medieval monastery in Alcobaça and one of the most important historical monuments in Portugal.

The creative influence of the monastery’s fraternity is still evident and its interior is one of the most beautiful examples of Gothic Cistercian design.

King Afonso Henriques promised the construction of the Cistercian monastery in 1147 following a decisive victory over the Moors. He kept his word and six years after his military triumph the first construction work on the monastery began. The majority of the buildings were completed in 1222 although the monastery’s kitchen and its impressive chimney were added in the 18th century.

The Cloister was built in the 15th century at the time of King Dinis. Due to the vow of silence this building was known as the silent cloister.

When the religious fraternities were disbanded in 1834 the Mosteiro De Alcobaça was abandoned by its monks but its treasures and much of its age old splendour have been preserved to the present day.