Cultural itinerary - 3-5 Days

Start your cultural itinerary at Batalha Monastery.

The Santa Maria da Vitória Monastery, also called Batalha Monastery is one of the most beautiful works of Portuguese and European architecture.

The king D. João I had this Monastery built, as a way of thanks for the victory in one of the most important battles in the history of Portugal, the Battle of Aljubarrota, fought on 14 August 1385, which guaranteed Portugal's independence.

The works of this historic building lasted for over 150 years, through various phases of construction, which is why in its construction there are several architectural styles, namely the predominant Gothic style, Manueline style and a bit of Renaissance style.

For a better interpretation of this very important battle for Portugal, visit the CIBA- Battle Interpretation Center of Aljubarrota. This interpretation center is located in the military field of S.Jorge where, Portuguese and Castilian, fought one of the most important battles in the history of Portugal.

This interpretation center is a museum space that combines an innovative concept of entertainment and education.

The visit of this space consists of walking through 3 different rooms with various exhibition stands, ranging from simple images, through the collection of bones of the combatants found in the field, complemented by the most sophisticated multimedia that maximize the interpretation experience!

Along the way, the interactivity with the visitor is constant. The highlight of the visit is the recreation of the Battle of Aljubarrota in a breathtaking multimedia show!

To end your day, visit the Alcobaça Monastery.

The Monastery of Santa Maria de Alcobaça, also known as the Royal Abbey of Santa Maria de Alcobaça or simply as Alcobaça Monastery, was in 1178 that the monks began their construction. This was the first completely Gothic work built in Portugal.

This monastery is classified by UNESCO as World Heritage, also classified as a National Monument and, since 2007, elected one of the 7 Wonders of Portugal.

The second day begins with a visit to D. Carlos I Park.

In the city of Caldas da Rainha, there is a beautiful park that was born at the end of the 19th century, by the architect Rodrigo Berquó. Inspired by the English gardens, this designed the D.Carlos I Park, with the purpose of providing Thermal Hospital users with a place of leisure during their treatments, where they could find tranquility and also practice some activities.

Berquó was also responsible for the iconic building of this park, known as “Park Pavilions”! Being an innovative architectural project for the time, its design makes it impossible for anyone who visits this park to be indifferent.

The purpose of this building was to house the new thermal hospital and also to perform the functions of a hotel, but it was never used for this purpose. Over the years this building has been degraded due to the various functions it has performed.

Currently, due to its historical importance for the City, there is a project of requalification of this building.

Then set off to discover Óbidos.

Throughout the times many ancient civilizations conquered and occupied this region.

This ancient multicultural presence in Óbidos influenced deeply the architectural of religious temples in the village.

There are several churches within and out the walls of the Castle, many of them subject to the evolutions of the different artistic styles of the time.

It is a beautiful village worth visiting and all year round there are events you can visit. To find out what events are taking place in Óbidos or the West Region, visit the Events tab on our website.

The third day begins with a visit to the Peniche Fortress.

This fortress, of military architecture, is located in the city of Peniche, and it´s classified as a National Monument.

Throughout the years it has served many purposes, namely and the best known, as political prison during the “Estado Novo” period between 1934 and 1974.

Visiting this museum is an excellent opportunity to get to know a little better the history of one of the most remarkable events in Portugal.