Portugal, Alcobaca - Monastery of Santa Maria de Alcobaca, Kings' Hall (Sala dos Reis), painted ceramic tiles (Azulejo)

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The Monastery of Santa Maria de Alcobaca was founded in 1153 by the Afonso Henriques. It was one of the most powerful abbeys of the Cistercian order. The history of the foundation of the monastery is recounted in the 18th century azulejo panels that line the walls of the Sala dos Reis (Kings' Hall). The first king of Portugal, Dom Afonso Henriques, vowed to build a great monastery if he could capture Santarem from the Moors, which he did in 1147. Alcobaca Monastery was designated a World Heritage Site in 1989.

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Size: 5616px × 3744px
Location: Portugal, Leiria District, Alcobaca
Photo credit: © Shmuel Magal / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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