Monastery of Batalha also  known as the Monastery of Saint Mary of the Victory

Dear Commons Community,

Yesterday, Elaine and I visited the site of the Battle of Aljubarrota which was fought between the Kingdom of Portugal and the Crown of Castile on 14 August 1385. Forces commanded by General  Nuno Álvares Pereira, with the support of English allies, opposed the army of the King of Castile which included Aragonese and French allies, as well as Genoese mercenaries.   The result was a decisive victory for the Portuguese, ruling out Castilian ambitions to the Portuguese throne, ending the 1383–85 crisis and assuring Portugal’s independence from Castile the establishment of John I as King of Portugal. 

On the site is a magnificent statue of General Pereira astride his horse.  Later in life, he became a monk and was beatified by Pope Benedict XV in 1918, and canonized by Pope Benedict XVI in 2009. 

Also on the site of the battle is the Monastery of Batalha also  known as the Monastery of Saint Mary of the Victory. It is one of the best and original examples of Late Flamboyant Gothic architecture in Portugal, intermingled with the Manueline style.  

A very important historical area for the Portuguese people.

Tony

 Statue of Nuno Álvares Pereira

Monastery of Batalha Looking at the Main Altar from the Rear of the Church

Monastery of Batalha Side Chapel

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