General Information ℹ️
Location: Batalha, Portugal, 🌎 39°39′33″N 8°49′34″W
Architect: Afonso Domingues
Style: Late gothic, Manueline architecture
Construction Dates: 1386-1530 (completely finished in 1907)
Batalha Monastery was to be the Portuguese monarchy's main building project for the next two centuries. Here a highly original, national Gothic style evolved, profoundly influenced by Manueline art, as demonstrated by its masterpiece, the Royal Cloister.
King John, ordered the construction to begin in 1386 and it continued for more than 100 years until the 1530s when King John III decided to focus efforts on the construction of the Jeronimos Monastery, built to commemorate Portugal’s role during the Age of Discoveries.
Left practically abandoned, it was then nearly ruined during the Napoleonic Wars of the 1800s. Only in 1840 did Portugal’s King Fernando II decide to restore and complete the monastery, which was finally finished in 1907.
The Royal Cloister is cloister was not part of the original project. It was built under the architect Fernão de Évora between 1448 and 1477. Its sober outward appearance is in stark contrast with the Flamboyant Gothic style of the church
Many architects had their hands in the design and structure of the Batalha Monastery and it is considered a precious Gothic treasure showcasing various styles. It is also one of the most significant examples of Manueline architecture, a Portuguese style developed during the Age of Discoveries. The Royal Cluster is one of the most prominent examples in the monastery of this latter style.
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