The Abbey of Alcobaça, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of Europe’s most important Cistercian abbeys, given its state of conservation and its architecture, symbolic of the order.

Founded in 1153, following a donation made by King Afonso Henriques to Bernardo de Claraval, building work formally began in 1178.

The monastery was to become the greatest example of early Portuguese Gothic style, subsequently expanded and embellished through successive royal endowments.

In 1382, King Dinis commissioned the Cloister of Silence, and an additional floor was added during the reign of King Manuel, who also ordered construction of the so-called Manueline Sacristy.

Both of these projects were overseen by the architect, João de Castilho.