Global Treasures: Monastery of Alcobaca

Television Director: Ullman, Frank

Producer: Scarson, Peter O.

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Catalogue Number: GTR-DVD-1154

UPC: 879061007538

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Global Treasures - History's Most Protected Monuments - Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live today, and what we pass on to future generations. Our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa's Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world's heritage. Join us as we explore one of these protected monuments.

The Mosteiro De Alcobaca is a massive, medieval monastery in Alcobaca and one of the most important historical monuments in Portugal. The creative influence of the monastery's fraternity is still evident and its interior is one of the most beautiful examples of Gothic Cistercian design.

King Afonso Henriques promised the construction of the Cistercian monastery in 1147, following a decisive victory over the Moors. He kept his word and six years after his military triumph, the first construction work on the monastery began. The majority of the buildings were completed in 1222 although, the monastery's kitchen and its impressive chimney were added in the 18th century.

The Cloister of Silence was built in the 15th century at the time of King Dinis I. Due to the vow of silence, this building was known as the silent cloister.

When the religious fraternities were disbanded in 1834, the Mosteiro De Alcobaca was abandoned by its monks but its treasures and much of its age old splendor have been preserved to the present day.