Portugal, Alcobaca Monastery

The Alcobasa Monastery in Portugal, founded in 1153 by King Alfonso Enriquez, is a significant Gothic architectural site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was a Cistercian order foundation, built to consolidate the new kingdom and promote colonization. The monastery features a Latin cross church, royal tombs, and a neo-Gothic pantheon. Its architecture is marked by simplicity, vertical emphasis, and Gothic elements. The monastery also includes a cloister, dormitory, and kitchen, reflecting monastic life.

What notable features can be found in the interior of the Alcobaca monastery?

Who are buried in the transept of the church and what is their historical significance?

What is the role of the refectory in the daily life of the monks?