t The pale exterior of the monastery is a fine example of late Gothic architecture.
This pale limestone monastery celebrates João I’s 1385 victory over Castile at Aljubarrota. As well as being João’s final resting place, two unknown World War I soldiers lie in the chapterhouse, making the monastery a monument to fortitude.
The Dominican monastery of Santa Maria da Vitória at Batalha is a masterpiece of Portuguese Gothic architecture notable for its Manueline elements. The monastery was begun in 1388 under master builder Afonso Domingues (1330–1402), who was succeeded on his death by David Huguet in 1406. Over the next two centuries successive kings left their mark on the monastery. João I’s son, King Duarte, ordered a royal pantheon to be built behind the apse. Unfortunately, he died before it was completed and the octagonal mausoleum was abandoned by Manuel I in favour of the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, although many Manueline decorations remain.
t The pale exterior of the monastery is a fine example of late Gothic architecture.
Experience Estremadura and ribatejo
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Experience Estremadura and ribatejo
In 1383, Portugal’s direct male line of descent ended with the death of Fernando I. Dom João, the illegitimate son of Fernando’s father, was proclaimed king, ending the regency of Leonor Teles, but his claim was opposed by Juan I of Castile. On 14 August 1385, João I’s greatly outnumbered forces, commanded by Nuno Álvares Pereira (left), faced the Castilians on a small plateau near Aljubarrota, 3 km (2 miles) south of Batalha. João’s spectacular victory ensured 200 years of independence from Spain and cemented the power of the house of Avis.
João I’s motto, “por bem” (for good), is inscribed on his tomb.