Batalha – a depth of discovery

A land that marks an intersection between history and modernity, stones and living legends.

That’s what you’ll find in Batalha. We expect we’ll see you soon.

A unique Story

The Municipality of Batalha offers visitors the charms of a unique landscape, allied to a vast heritage of great beauty, whether at the landscape, monumental or artistic level.

Exploring this territory is to discover chapters of history, art, landscapes and unique people who always leave a mark.

Batalha was a scene of memorable historical moments, with traces of occupation that comprises from the Paleolithic, passing through the Roman presence in the important city of Colippo, to the decisive struggles for independence. Those marks results in an unavoidable cultural heritage.

It was the victory of the battle of Aljubarrota on August 14th, 1385, which ordered the construction of the Monastery of Batalha, one of the most visited monuments of Portugal and a world heritage jewel. During the reign of D. Manuel I, Batalha was raised to Village, which brought several benefits.

What to See

Allow yourself to be enchanted by the imposing Monastery of Santa Maria da Vitória, Batalha’s very own UNESCO World Heritage Site. Relive the History of Portugal under the Gothic arches of a monument that brings together features used by the greatest architectural geniuses and stonework artists of all time, creating perfect harmony.

Let the genuine, kind spirit of the people of Batalha infect you as they show you the best of what the Municipality has to offer. Indulge in the traditional food; recipes passed down through generations, filled with flavour and each with their own story to tell. Enjoy the diversity and beauty of unique landscapes with lush green plains and fields filled with crops. Explore the charms of the Estremenho Limestone Massif and adventure through its unique geological formations.

Heritage

MOEDA GROTTOES

Just 3 minutes from Fátima and 15 minutes from Batalha, the Moeda Grottoes are among the most beautiful in the entire country.

www.grutasmoeda.com

Heritage

MOTHER CHURCH OF THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS

Construction of the church began in 1514 by order of Manuel I of Portugal. The church has a strikingly regal main door, which was designed by Master Architect Boitaca.

Heritage

THE CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF THE AFFLICTED

A temple built in the Parish of Golpilheira during the 15th century, where Pero Gomes da Rosa, registrar of the kingdom’s Chancellery, and his son, João Afonso are buried.

 

Pre-Renaissance decorative elements can still be found in the archivolt of the triumphal arch and in the keystones of the main chapel’s vault at this unique hermitage.

Heritage

REGUENGO DO FETAL MOTHER CHURCH

A church that has been standing for many centuries, construction of the Reguengo do Fetal Mother Church dates back to 1512, by order of Pedro Vaz Gavião, Bishop of Guarda. Traces of its original architecture can still be seen, and specific note should be taken of the arched stone frames along the sides of the church.

Heritage

THE BRIDGE OF BOUTACA

Construction of the bridge began in the second half of the 19th century, in 1862, during the reign of Luís I of Portugal. Built in a neo-Gothic style, a linear 60-metre long road rests on six broken arches, which are interspersed with buttresses.

Museums

BATALHA COUNCIL COMMUNITY MUSEUM

Having been voted the best Portuguese Museum in 2012 and won the prestigious Kenneth Hudson International Prize, the Museu da Comunidade Concelhia da Batalha (MCCB) takes us on an interesting, paradigmatic trip spanning more than 250 million years.

 

Find out more at www.museubatalha.com

Museums

ALTA-ESTREMADURA ETHNOGRAPHIC MUSEUM

Located in Rebolaria, the Ethnographic Museum – a House-turned-Museum in the Rosas do Lena Folklore Ranch – is a reconstruction of a typical nineteenth-century house in Estremadura. The museum has an interesting core display, which is made up of permanent exhibitions of ethnographic miniatures, musical instruments, costumes, pieces of stonework from Batalha and tools used for farming and various other professions. You can book a visit by calling: 244 765 223.

Museums

MUSEUM OF OFFERINGS MADE TO THE UNKNOWN SOLDIER

The Museum of Offerings made to the Unknown Soldier, which is located in the Monastery of Batalha, is a second location of the Combatants League Museum. It’s made up of a room with a permanent collection of Offerings made to the Unknown Soldier, and a second Chapter house which houses a Tomb.

 

Visiting hours are from 9 am to 5 pm (October to March) and from 9 am to 6 pm (April to September).

Museums

CENTRE OF THE FIRST POSITION OF THE PORTUGUESE ARMY

A unique building, this centre is located a mere 500 meters from the Monastery of Batalha. 600 years ago, this was the first defensive position chosen by Nuno Álvares Pereira, where the advancing Castilian army would finally be halted.

 

Find out more at www.fundacao-aljubarrota.pt

PIA DO URSO

PIA DO URSO

Just five kilometres away from Fátima, the village of Pia do Urso provides visitors with a truly stunning natural landscape, where the magnificent restoration work carried out on the traditional houses is sure to strike a chord with anyone who visits. This is a unique, genuine village visited by thousands of tourists each year.

PIA DO URSO

This restored village is also home to Portugal’s first SENSORY ECOPARK, an innovative concept, which is designed to give people with disabilities an insight into the environment that surrounds them. The Village has won a prize awarded by Turismo de Portugal.

Region

BEACHES

The area of Estremadura is a land of stark contrasts. Some call it a region nestled “between the sea and the mountains”, giving visitors an endless variety of landscapes that are sure to delight any and all who visit.

 

The Atlantic Ocean feels as if it is only a breath away, and lining the endless expanse are some of the best-known beaches in the whole country, such as Nazaré, Vieira, Pedrogão, São Martinho do Porto and Peniche.

Region

Fátima

Nicknamed the ‘Altar of the World’, Fatima has become an import location for all visitors, whether religious or not, as a place where they can take time out to reflect and gain spiritual protection.

Region

CASTLES

You will find that the whole region is still dotted with ruins and structures from medieval times, with imposing castles that stand as living proof of long gone battles and wars. Immerse yourself in this period of history and visit the well-preserved, imposing castles the region has to offer.

Region

ESTREMENHO LIMESTONE MASSIF

The Estremenho Limestone Massif spans the Serras de Aire and Candeeiros natural park and is the most important area of limestone in Portugal. The limestone substrate is what has created the striking landscape, where visitors can see several naturally-
occurring phenomena such as caves, gorges, cliffs, limestone pavements, dry valleys, polje and sinkholes.

Unique flavours to ignite your senses

In a region that is filled with lush landscapes, where the fertile soils of the Lena Valley meet the typical characteristic limestone walls that have shaped the mountainous landscape of São Mamede, there are countless unique flavours and aromas that are sure to ignite all your senses and leave a lasting memory.

TACHADÉU

Pig farming is more than a mere habit in this region, having quickly become a necessity for the people who live in the villages. Pig slaughtering was therefore established as as an event that took place with some frequency, leading to the conception of various snacks that are considered true, authentic delicacies and are very popular amongst the locals.

 

The famous “Tachadéu” was born from this tradition – pieces of pork fried in clay pot – which has since become one of the typical dishes in the parish of Reguengo do Fetal.

MORCELAS DE ARROZ (Rice black pudding)

Alta Estremadura is considered a region of excellence when it comes to producing rice black pudding, as approximately 20 different varieties of the sausage can be found thanks to it having become the symbol of the pig slaughterings.

 

In Batalha there are different types of rice black pudding, of which “white” black pudding stands out as a favourite. This type is traditionally from the parish of Reguengo do Fetal and doesn’t contain pig blood.

REGUENGO DO FETAL CAVACAS

Cavacas (a type of traditional Portuguese sweet glazed pastry) are one of the most characteristic delicacies of the Municipality of Batalha, more specifically of the Parish of Reguengo do Fetal. Older residents tell stories of the traditional cavacas,
which originally came from Ponte de Lima (a town in Northern Portugal) and were brought to Reguengo by Maria dos Ramos, who was originally from the small northern town.

 

Cavacas from Reguengo are very popular, especially on feast days for the villages in the Municipality of Batalha, as they are always perfectly presented, with immaculately white icing and a unique flavour and texture.

COD TIBORNADAS

Cod fish is a staple of Portuguese cuisine, and as such, no respectable restaurant would miss a cod dish off its menu. Cod “Tibornadas” (roasted pulled cod and potatoes tossed in olive oil, onion and garlic) are a particularly popular way to eat the traditional fish, thanks to the large variety of ways in which the dish can be made and its importance and popularity, which dates back generations.

 

Back in the days when olive oil plantations stretched for as far as the eye could see in the mountain villages, the farmers and their friends would all come together to feast, making roasted potato snacks to which cod would then be added. However, the olive oil was truly the cherry on the cake of this delicacy that delighted all those who tasted it.

ENOTOURISM

Having already won several prizes both in Portugal and abroad, wines from the Batalha Cooperative Winery have quickly become excellent ambassadors of the region, which boasts fertile soil and a temperate climate – both factors that have had a huge influence on the quality of the wine produced in the region. The best of the best of these wines are the “Real Batalha” and “Baga” wines, which are considered to be truly unique and are therefore the perfect way for visitors to get to know and truly taste the region.

 

Find out more at: www.adegadabatalha.pt

EVENTS

Throughout the year, the Municipality of Batalha hosts a diverse range of cultural events. Those who visit Batalha will have a whole host of events waiting for them, from handicraft and food fairs, to local product shows, historical reconstructions, theatre and folklore festivals, and concerts, among many others. And these activities are interspersed with the many religious and pagan traditions organised by the community – there’s never a dull day in Batalha!

CÂNTICOS DAS JANEIRAS (JANUARY SONGS)

The old “ Janeiras” tradition has been brought back in recent years, thanks to musical groups in the hills of São Mamede and Batalha coming together once again. The groups meet in front of the Paços do Concelho building every year to sing the “Janeiras” (January song) and wish their fellow townspeople a happy new year.

CARNIVAL PARADE

The ridicule and the originality shown by the Municipality’s Associations and Schools are put to the test every year in the carnival “corso” (Parade) that takes place in the Village of Batalha. Hundreds of townspeople take part in the parade of floats, which attracts a large audience of onlookers, making it one of the most watched parades in the region.

FEAST OF THE HOLY TRINITY

These festivities are held eight weeks after Easter Sunday, as per the church calendar. The celebration is based on a legend that explains how a pest of insects attacked the barns of Dominican friars, and how the tragedy was remedied. Due to the origins of the festival, blessed “merendeiras” (bread rolls) are thrown out during the procession when it passes through Carvalho do Outeiro road, which is in the centre of the town of Batalha. Onlookers catch and keep these “merendeiras” throughout the year, in order to keep moths and other insects out of their wardrobes. The festivities are an interesting religious celebration, where an “ Emperor” leads the procession of offerings with richly decorated trays.

THE FEAST OF OUR LADY OF FETAL

Our Lady of Fetal is celebrated in September / October in the village of Reguengo do Fetal. In this town, the feast of the Lady of Fetal is a particularly beautiful celebration, thanks to the processions that carry the image of the Saint from the Parish Church to
the Chapel of Our Lady of Fetal, and then back again 8 days later. These processions have also become renowned thanks to the unusual way in which they are lit – through thousands of snail shells that decorate the floor, walls and hills of the mountain town.

“ENCAMISADA”

A guiding light for the people of Rebolaria, the “Encamisada” festival is held every two years and consists of a night parade during which the “angels” (children dressed in white and mounted on white donkeys) worship Saint Anthony. Residents decorate the village richly in preparation for this celebration.

FIABA – THE BATALHA HANDICRAFT AND FOOD FAIR

The Batalha Handicraft and Food Fair is an annual event organised by the Municipality where visitors and tourists alike delight in the region’s traditional food and handicrafts, as well as a whole host of options for entertainment. Craftsmen can be seen hard at work, and visitors can watch as typical dishes from all over the Municipality are made, as the food provided at the festival is made exclusively by organisations.

19th CENTURY MARKET

Every year, on one of the last Sundays of September, the town of Batalha welcomes a 19th century market into the Mouzinho de Albuquerque Square. This initiative brings together over 300 people from various folk groups in the municipality and the region. Products sold at the market include bread baked in woodfired ovens, barrels of wine, live animals, fruits and vegetables and traditional sausages from the region.

CELEBRATIONS IN BATALHA

In August, the Batalha Festivals bring the town itself and the surrounding municipality to life. The 14th August, which is the municipal holiday, is the main event, marking the Portuguese victory in the Battle of Aljubarrota. A celebration that really cannot be missed, the biggest names in Portuguese music are always present to perform the most memorable of concerts. This event also brings together hundreds of people who have moved away from the Municipality at the Annual Meeting of Emigrants and the showcasing of the municipality’s economic operations.

BOOK AND GAME FAIR

The Mouzinho de Albuquerque Square, which in the heart of the town of Batalha, hosts the Book and Game Fair every year. The event is very lively, with entertainment filling the streets in the form of various street theatre shows. At the Book Fair you’ll find a huge selection of books of the most diverse genres published by the publishers represented in the available spaces, among which are best selling Portuguese and international books.

What to Do

Batalha is an ancient land with a varying landscape, where visitors can take part in a huge amount of activities that will put them in direct contact with the nature that fills the municipality, from walking trails and Climbing to exploring caves and mountain biking.

The Town of Heroes Trail

Batalha is home to one of the main symbols of Portuguese History: the Monastery of Santa Maria da Vitória. It is this monument, which is classified as one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal, that immortalises the heroes who have been through the town, and who gave it its identity of: “Town of Heroes”. This trail will take you deep into the charms of the town Batalha and its main buildings.

The Trail of Faith

In a municipality that has Centuries of history, countless events remain in the collective memory of this community. The trail of Faith will take you past the most important locations that deserve a visit – both for their artistic value and, above all, for the devotional meaning they have in the local community.

The Karst route

Batalha can be found perched on the Estremenho Limestone Massif, encompassed by the Serras de Aire e Candeeiros Natural Park (PNSAC). The limestone substrate is what has created the striking landscape, where visitors can see several naturally-occurring phenomena such as caves, gorges, cliffs and limestone pavements, among others. Among the most varied rocks, flora and fauna that characterise the Estremenho Limestone Massif, the area constitutes the largest Iberian sample of historical geology. This trail will lead visitors on a path of discovery of a diverse geological richness in the parishes of Reguengo do Fetal and São Mamede.

Climbing

The Municipality of Batalha has excellent conditions for those who want to Climb and do any other similar sports, thanks to the diversity of the region’s landscapes and accentuated reliefs. Reguengo do Fetal is one of the best places in the country to do the extreme sport, providing visitors with over 100 climbing routes, which are each cataloged as to their varying degrees of difficulty. The significant differences in altitude between the routes, which range from 70 to 500 meters, make this a place of choice for all – from beginners to those who are more experienced.

WALKING

Walking is an excellent, healthy way of getting to know a region. In the municipality of Batalha, you can enjoy four walking trails that will allow you to discover the natural beauty of the landscape, combining it with Heritage, History and Culture. Whether in valleys or up hills, people who love walking can let their feet lead the way on trails that will take them past several species of animals and plants, some of which can’t be found anywhere else in Portugal.

WT1 Trail - Mata do Cerejal (Cerejal Woods)

The “ Mata do Cerejal” Walking Trail starts next to the Chapels of São Mateus and Nossa Senhora do “Ó”, which are both classified as religious interest buildings, leading you further on to the main places of interest in Alcanadas. The start of the trail will take you straight through the middle of the Cerejal Woods, a very rich natural area (which is in the Natura 2000 Network), both in terms of species of animals and of plants.

 

Trail characteristics
Departure and Arrival: Capela de São Mateus
Geographical coordinates: 39º 38 ‘04,725’ ‘-08º 47’ 59,864 ”
Distance: 9.5 Km
Approximate duration: 3 hours
Type of ground: Predominantly country lanes and dirt tracks
Level of difficulty: Medium


PDF of Trail

WT2 Trail - Buraco Roto (Broken Hole)

The “Buraco Roto” Walking Trail begins in Largo da Palmeira, right the centre of the Parish of Reguengo do Fetal, continuing towards the “ Buraco Roto” – a necropolis grotto with a beautiful landscape and stunning scenery where, in rainier months, water cascades down the rocks forming a waterfall.

 

Trail characteristics
Departure and Arrival: Largo da Fonte
Geographical coordinates: 39º 38 ‘21,179 “-08º 45’ 49, 687”
Length: 6 Km
Approximate duration: 2 and a half hours
Type of ground: Predominantly country lanes, dirt tracks and pavements
Degree of difficulty: Medium.


PDF of Trail
Google Earth

WT3 Trail - Rota dos Moinhos (Windmill Trail)

The Windmill Walking Trail begins next to Crespos Primary School, near the Northern entrance of the Pia do Urso Sensory EcoPark. This trail allows visitors to get close to nature, and see numerous species of both flora and fauna. Along with animals and plants, and as the name of this trail suggests, this trail also winds past several windmills, some of which are still in use today.

 

Trail characteristics
Departure and Arrival: Crespos Primary School
Geographical coordinates: 39º 36 ‘12,355’ ‘-08º 42’ 05,158 ”
Distance: 6.7 Km
Approximate duration: 3 hours
Type of ground: Predominantly country lanes and dirt tracks
Level of difficulty: Medium


PDF of Trail
Google Earth

WT4 Trail - Lena Mining Railroad

Built in the 1920s to transport coal from the small coal basin of Batalha (Mata and Barrojeiras), the Lena branch provided a connection between the Western railway line at Martingança and the historic town, ending at Pinhal Manso, which became known as Estação Velha (Old Station), and is between Vila Facaia and Jardoeira. Charcoal was transported from the mines to Batalha station in wagons and trucks, that were a huge breakthrough for the time, but which could not be the definitive solution for the coal to be transported as fast and as far as possible while still turning a profit.

 

Trail characteristics
Departure and Arrival: Boitaca Bridge or The Barrojeiras Mines
Geographical coordinates: 39º39’26 ”; – 08º49’54 ” or 39º22’14 “‘- 08º48’15”
Distance: 6 Km
Approximate duration: 1hour and 45 minutes
Type of ground: Narrow paths through country lanes and paved roads
Level of difficulty: Low


PDF of Trail
Google Earth
Descobrir Batalha

Batalha Mountain Biking Centre

Considered to be one of Turismo de Portugal’s 100 best ideas by EVASÕES Magazine, the Batalha – Pia do Urso Mountain Biking Centre is made up of a building equipped with changing rooms, sanitary facilities, an information area and space for washing bicycles, as well as carrying out small repairs. From here, visitors can benefit from a free network of bike trails, which are all properly signposted and cover a distance of over 300 Km, which are divided into four levels of difficulty, taking keen cyclists through the Municipalities of Batalha, Porto de Mós and Leiria.

 

The Batalha Centre is proud to have been the first Mountain Biking Centre in the country to be approved by the UVP / Portuguese Cycling Federation.

 

This centre benefitted from financial support from PRODER – A Rural Development Program


Trail 1

This trail is shaped like a racket, where the start and finish are in the same location, and the central section is circular, taking you through São Mamede, where you can also start. Trail 1 is mainly made up of country tracks that will take you through farmland, olive groves, and eucalyptus and pine forests.


GPS Tracking
PDF of the Route
Google Earth

Trail 2

Trail 2 is a circular trail that will take you down country lanes and forest tracks where there’s some limestone in the ground. This is the route for you if you’re interested in the views and cultural traditions of the villages and natural areas of the São Mamede plateau.


GPS Tracking

Trail 3

Trail 3 is a circular trail through country paths, trails and single forest tracks, where you’ll find a lot of limestone in the ground. This is the route for you if you’re interested in the views and cultural traditions of the villages and natural areas of the São Mamede plateau, upper Maúnça and Reguengo do Fetal.


GPS Tracking
PDF of the Route

Trail 4

Trail 4 will take you in an 8-shape, and begin in the village of Batalha – a demanding route, which will reward you with magnificent views. We advise that you prepare
yourself well for this route, and / or do it on long summer days when you’ll have long hours of daylight. This route will take you across the whole municipality via different types of trails, including sections that will be very technically demanding, as well as some steep slopes.


GPS Tracking
PDF of the Route
Google Earth

Trail 5

Trail 5 is a circular route which coincides with the southern section of T4. The paths are very rocky, taking you through single tracks and country lanes and forest paths. This is the route for you for views over the Mira-Minde polje and the Sierras de Aire e Candeeiros Natural Park.


GPS Tracking
PDF of the Route
Google Earth

Trail 6

Trail 6 is a circular route which has been designed to begin in the town of Batalha but can also have Pia do Urso as its starting point. This route will take you through the centre of our vast network of routes, taking you past emblematic points such as Maúnça and Reguengo do Fetal, via paths that can be rocky, but don’t have a high level of difficulty.


GPS Tracking
PDF of the Route

Trail 7

Short circular route with start/end in Batalha, easy going through pine and eucalyptus forest almost all the way, only raises one difficulty level due to a short sector, know as «Amazonia» of technical single track, but not for long.


GPS Tracking
PDF of the Route
Google Earth

Caravans

To travel through the Municipality of Batalha in a motorhome is the perfect way to discover a magical and ancestral land, with a diverse, unique heritage. The area has two free of charge, fully equipped service areas that guarantee all our visitors excellent conditions, whether for vehicle maintenance or an overnight stay. One of the service areas is located in the town of Batalha, in the Sports area, and the other in the Parish of São Mamede, in Largo da Feira.

WHERE TO EAT

The Municipality of Batalha

Rua Infante D. Fernando

2440-118 Batalha

Tel: 244 769 110

Fax: 244 769 111

geral@cm-batalha.pt
www.cm-batalha.pt

Volunteer Firefighters

Rua dos Bombeiros Voluntários da Batalha

2440-117 Batalha

Tel: 244 768 500 / 244 765 411

Secção de São Mamede

Tel: 244 704 234

The Republican National Guard

Rua Luís da Silva Mouzinho de Albuquerque

2440-109 Batalha

Tel.: 244 769 120

Tourist Information Centre

Praça Mouzinho de Albuquerque

2440-109 Batalha

Tel: 244 765 180

Municipal Library

Rua Infante D. Fernando

2440-118 Batalha

Tel. 244 769 871

www.biblioteca.cm-batalha.pt

Municipal Auditorium

Rua Infante D. Fernando

2440-118 Batalha

Tel: 244 769 870

Transports

Agência da Rodoviária do Tejo

Largo da Misericórdia

2440-058 Batalha

www.rodotejo.pt

Bus stop

Largo 14 de Agosto de 1385

Vila da Batalha

Taxi

Praça Mouzinho de Albuquerque

2440-109 Batalha

Tel: 244 765 410

Exhibition Center

Exposalão

Largo da Misericórdia

Apartado 39

2441-951 Batalha

Tel: 244 769 480

www.exposalao.pt

MCCB

Largo Goa, Damão e Diu, n.° 4

2440-901 Batalha

Tel: 244 769 878

www.museubatalha.com

Monastery of Batalha

Largo Infante D. Henrique

2440-109 Batalha

Tel: 244 765 497

www.mosteirobatalha.pt