Royal Tombs at the Monastery of Alcobaça

Visitors to the monastery of Alcobaça can explore the spacious cloister within the monastery complex. It felt more like a park for the monks. However, it seems that that that was as far as visitors can go. I soon found myself at back in the the church building. In some way, I was a bit disappointed that I didn’t get to see more of the monastery but it seems that there are still important places to see here in the church. I had completely ignored much of the church since it seemed to be quite empty. However, there were two structures here which are quite important.

There are two royal tombs here at the transcept of the church, one on each end. In one of the tombs lies King Pedro I and the other tomb lies Inês de Castro his beloved. It seems that this is a complex story of kingdoms and alliances complete with love stories and betrayals, not unlike a telenovela. Long story short, Pedro I before he became king had an affair with Inês de Castro which enraged his father, the king at the time. Inês was murdered upon the orders of the king which lead to the son turning against the king. When Pedro became king, he ordered the remains of Inês be transferred to the monastery of Alcobaça. King Pedro I was also buried in the monastery after his death. Two incredibly ornate tombs now stand in each side of the church. One of the best examples of gothic sculpture in the country.

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