Page 173 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Portugal

Must See

THE BATTLE OF ALJUBARROTA
In 1383, Portugal’s direct male line of descent ended
with the death of Fernando I. Dom João, the illegitimate
son of Fernando’s father, was proclaimed king, ending
the regency of Leonor Teles, but his claim was opposed
by Juan I of Castile. On 14 August 1385, João I’s greatly
outnumbered forces, commanded by Nuno Álvares
Pereira (left), faced the Castilians on a small plateau
near Aljubarrota, 3 km (2 miles) south of Batalha. João’s
spectacular victory ensured 200 years of independence
from Spain and cemented the power of the house of Avis.

Unfinished
chapels
Guards keep watch The stained-glass
by the Tomb of the window behind the
Unknown Soldiers in choir dates from 1514.
the chapterhouse.

Lofty nave
by Afonso
Domingues

The chapel is
topped by an
octagonal lantern.

The tomb of João I and
his English wife Philippa
of Lancaster, lying hand
in hand in the Founder’s
Chapel, was begun in
1426 by Huguet.

Main
entrance The ornate Gothic
Mosteiro de Santa
Maria da Vitória
173

172-173_EW_Portugal.indd 173 20/09/2018 10:40