Monastero di Santa Maria

Monastero di Santa Maria, in the city of Alcobaça, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Portugal's most important tourist attractions. It was founded in 1153 by Afonso Henriques, the first King of Portugal, and is a classic example of the Cistercian Order of architecture. It consists of a main church, the main cloister, the Chapter House, the refectory and the dormitory, but the highlight is the two tombs of Peter I and Inês de Castro. Visitors can explore the rooms, chapels and cloisters, as well as the complex crypt, which is estimated to contain monuments to 5000 people. There are also great gardens to enjoy. The Monastery is open daily between 9:30am and 5:30pm, and entry is free.