Portugal Centro Alcobaca

The city of Alcobaca became notable after the first king of Portugal, Afonso Henriques, decided to build a church to commemorate the Conquest of Santarem from the Moors in 1147. The church later evolved into the Monastery of Alcobaca, one of the most magnificent Gothic monuments in the country. A few kilometers to the north of Alcobaca is the Monastery of Batalha, another Gothic building constructed in memory of the Battle of Aljubarrota. To the west of Alcobaça is the fishing village of Nazare, now a popular resort town. To the south is the city of Caldas da Rainha and the medieval town of Obidos. Also to the northeast is the town of Porto de Mos with its rebuilt castle.