Monastery da Santa Maria da Vitoria

The Dominican monastery da Santa Maria da Vitoria can rightfully be called a real masterpiece of Portuguese Gothic. The massive silhouette of the main monastery cathedral is clearly visible at the entrance to the city.

The name of the monastery is translated from Portuguese as “victory in battle”. Legend has it that King João I once swore that if his small and poorly armed army could defeat the Castilian invaders, he would erect a monastery to the glory of the Holy Virgin Mary. His dream was destined to come true - 7,000 João fighters won the battle with the enemy's 32,000th army. This happened in 1385. Construction lasted 80 years and grew majestic building, combining Gothic and Mahuelin styles. The construction continued under six rulers, and they all rested in the walls of the monastery.

Now on the territory of the monastery you can visit the church in the late Gothic style, the Chapel of the Founder, the Hall of the Capitulum and the Royal Cloutre. It will be interesting to look at the seven unfinished chapels, called the extravaganza in stone. They were not completed due to the decision of King Manuel I to transfer workers to work on the construction of the monastery in Belém.