OVERVIEW
Since it was over 90 degrees in Portugal the July we were there we decided to do some day trips out of Obidos, where we were staying. We would drive to a town, spend half a day there visiting the most important site and then head to the closest beach in late afternoon to cool off. Alcobaca is only 25 miles from Obidos and it is 75 miles from Lisbon. I wish we had taken the time to see the town since it was very quaint as we drove through it. The main site we visited was the impressive monastery.
MOSTEIRO DE ALCOBACA
Unlike other monasteries and churches in Portugal, this monastery has a classic, simple feel to it. The prominent material used in construction is white stone, and the lack of ornate colors allows you to focus on the architecture. Construction of the church began in 1170 but they do not have an exact date of completion. You can visit the church as well as the cloisters while you are there.
My favorite thing about this church is the Portuguese version of a Romeo and Juliet story that is associated with it. Pedro, the king’s son, became in love with Ines de Castro, a lady in waiting of his soon-to-be new bride. Pedro married his bride but he was always in love with Ines and after his wife died, Pedro began making it known that he was in love with Ines and stating he wanted to marry her. His father, the King, ordered 3 men to murder Ines, leaving Pedro completely heartbroken. After the King died Pedro became the new king of Portugal and declared Ines as his Queen (even though she died 2 years earlier). Pedro had her body exhumed, had her coroneted, and had the members of the royal court kiss her hand to swear their allegiance to her. Pedro eventually killed 2 of Ines’s murderers with his own sword. They were buried side by side. Tell me that wouldn’t make a great Lifetime Movie???
Tips:
From October-March open from 9:00-6:00, From April-September open from 9:00-7:00.
Tickets cost 6 €, but if you should check out their combination tickets if you are planning on visiting towns close by.
