Marriages and peace treaties

[Mr P]

This thread is going to be another documentary series, this time about two monasteries: Batalha and Alcobaça. First, the story of Batalha.

Portugal and Britain hold the longest alliance in Western Europe. It started with the Treaty of Windsor (1373) and was confirmed when King João I (John I) took an English bride in 1387. That was how national politics worked in those days. João had won the battle of Aljubarrota against Castile in 1385 and had been elected King of Portugal. He needed a wife and married Philippa of Lancaster, daughter of John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and sister of the future English King Henry IV. This political alliance became a happy marriage.

Here is a link to Philippa's story : BBC - h2g2 - Philippa of Lancaster (1360-1415) - A tale from the History of Portugal

A Dominican monastery, Santa Maria da Vitoría, was founded at Batalha (which literally means 'battle') to commemorate the victory at Aljubarrota. Building started in 1387. (For the architecture freaks it is Late Gothic with elements of English Perpendicular.)

Mr P

[Mr P]

The monastery at Batalha viewed from the North
#1


Mr P

[mcbit]

Very nice Mr.P.

[Mr P]

The monastery looks a bit odd from the angle of #1. That part on the extreme left was never finished and the 'round' things you see sticking up are the pillars which were going to support the domed roof.

Mr P

[Rense]

Good work. Can we start with a floor plan?

[Mr P]

These are some of the parts that have been photographed for this thread
1 West front
2 Nave
3 Founder's chapel
4 Royal cloister
5 Chapter House (Tomb of the Unknown Soldier)
6 Refectory (Museum of offerings to the Unkown Soldier)
7 King Afonso V Cloister
8 Unfinished Chapels

The plan has been scanned from the visitors' leaflet. Although there is no apparent copyright, nevertheless I wish to acknowledge that the leaflet was produced by "Região de Turismo, Leiría Fátima"

Mr P

[Rense]

may thanks, that keeps me organized .

[Mr P]

The West front.
#2a

#2b


Maybe you'll tell me which version you prefer.

Mr P

PS Detail photos come later

[Rense]

Originally Posted by Mr P

The West front.
#2a

#2b


Maybe you'll tell me which version you prefer.

Mr P

PS Detail photos come later

the grey path in #2a is much more disturbing to my eye than the blue patch in #2b.
So this is easy: #2b is better. If you however clone the patch out in #2a than #2a is a stunning winner.

[Mr P]

Originally Posted by Rense

the grey path in #2a is much more disturbing to my eye than the blue patch in #2b.
So this is easy: #2b is better. If you however clone the patch out in #2a than #2a is a stunning winner.

Rather than clone it out, here is another option as an experiment. Better or worse?


Mr P

[Rense]

worse.

[Mr P]

On the view of the west front, #2, you can see two gargoyles just above the flying buttresses. There are closeups of Batalha (and other) gargoyles here Gargoyles

Mr P

[Mr P]

The front door
#3


Detailed views of statuary follow

Mr P

[Mr P]

Detail of the centre-piece
#4


There are 72 statues of Biblical kings, queens, prophets and angels in the arch. The four evangelists surround Christ above the door.

Mr P

[Mr P]

Detail above the doorway arch
#5


Below a narrow verandah are the Arms of King João I. I don't know if that is him and Philippa sitting below - probably.

Mr P

[Mr P]

The flamboyant window above the verandah was really too high for me to get a decent photo, but it really is a splendid thing.
This was the best I could get with the 18-200 I was using.
#6


Mr P

[Mr P]

The statues to either side of the West door.
#8 Left


#7 Right

These are described as representing the 12 Apostles. The statues are not original, of course, but copies done over the centuries.

It is difficult to identify these mediaeval representations. Too many are holding books to be certain which were the four Evangelists. It is seems certain that Peter is there by the door, with the key. The fourth from the left, holding a cross, could be Andrew. Who would be the one on his left who is chained? Perhaps the one fourth from the right with the staff is Luke, the physician.

It would be interesting to hear the views of others as to who might be who.

Mr P

[Mr P]

Having stopped to look at the door, next we'll go inside.

Mr P

[Rense]

Originally Posted by Mr P

The statues to either side of the West door.
#8 Left


#7 Right

These are described as representing the 12 Apostles. The statues are not original, of course, but copies done over the centuries.

It is difficult to identify these mediaeval representations. Too many are holding books to be certain which were the four Evangelists. It is seems certain that Peter is there by the door, with the key. The fourth from the left, holding a cross, could be Andrew. Who would be the one on his left who is chained? Perhaps the one fourth from the right with the staff is Luke, the physician.

It would be interesting to hear the views of others as to who might be who.

Mr P

Don't have the time now, but we should do a cross match with this information on Saints

[lakejessup]

wow the detail is amazing i enjoy looking at these because it amazes me how people built things with extrordinary detail yet had no gas or electric power tools no lifts no cranes no hydrualics no cell phones of course they didnt need building permits than either