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Description
Batalha Monastery, Batalha, Portugal

Late Gothic monument, built in the 14th century.

'Batalha' is Portuguese for battle. The town was founded over the grounds where the Battle of Aljubarrota was fought, in 1385.

The battle opposed the ~7000-strong Portuguese Army against the much larger Castillan one, which had about 30000 soldiers. The kingdom of England supported Portugal, while Castilla was backed by Aragon, France and some Italian allies.

Despite the overwhelming size of the invading army, the Portuguese came out victorious from the battle, and Spanish hands were kept out from the throne until 1580.

The Batalha Monastery was built in honour of the Virgin Mary, thanking her for the victory over Castilla. It is often considered one of the most notorious Gothic monuments all over Europe.

Description
Batalha Monastery, Batalha, Portugal

Late Gothic monument, built in the 14th century.

'Batalha' is Portuguese for battle. The town was founded over the grounds where the Battle of Aljubarrota was fought, in 1385.

The battle opposed the ~7000-strong Portuguese Army against the much larger Castillan one, which had about 30000 soldiers. The kingdom of England supported Portugal, while Castilla was backed by Aragon, France and some Italian allies.

Despite the overwhelming size of the invading army, the Portuguese came out victorious from the battle, and Spanish hands were kept out from the throne until 1580.

The Batalha Monastery was built in honour of the Virgin Mary, thanking her for the victory over Castilla. It is often considered one of the most notorious Gothic monuments all over Europe.