Cloister of Dom Afonso V

Category: Nature > Garden

District: Leiria > Batalha > Batalha > Casal das Cancelas

Location

The Cloister of Dom Afonso V is located in the town of Batalha, in the municipality of the same name, in Central Portugal. It is integrated into a historical area of great relevance, offering a visitor experience immersed in an environment of remarkable patrimonial value.

A Monastic Legacy

This cloister, built in the second half of the 15th century, was commissioned by King Dom Afonso V. Its construction was supervised by masters such as Martim Vasques and Fernão de Évora. It reflects a more sober and austere aesthetic, in line with the principles of the mendicant orders that inhabited the space, inviting contemplation and introspection.

Architectural Innovation

The Cloister of Dom Afonso V stands out as one of the first in Portugal to feature a two-story design. This characteristic represented a notable innovation for the time, altering the functionality and ambiance of monastic spaces. The two-level structure allowed for a more complex organization of the various dependencies necessary for the friars' life.

Stone Details

On the lower floor, the galleries are marked by double pointed arches, resting on faceted columns. The vaults are reinforced by a simple rib vaulting, and their keystones display the royal coats of arms of Dom Afonso V and Dom Duarte, adorned with specific symbols of each monarch. The upper floor, in turn, features a tile and wood roof, with a sloping roof, supported by a series of columns that replace the robustness of the stone below. It is on this floor that some ornamental elements such as gargoyles can be observed.

Daily Life in the Cloister

This cloister was a vital center for the daily life of the monastic community. The ground floor housed essential dependencies such as the kitchen, the pantry, a small refectory used on special occasions, the wine press, and various workshops that served the workers. The upper floor, on the other hand, was dedicated to more private and intellectual spaces, accommodating the friars' dormitories, the infirmary, the library, and the Monastery's scriptorium, illustrating its importance in the organization of conventual life.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt