History

From Portugal overseas territory, conquested by Henry Seafarer in 15th century, only colourless memory on passed fame remained. On the other hand, from a chapel, constructed by this monarch in Batalha Monastery, you can find any stone, and it is obvious that this building will belong to most important monuments of European Middle Age monastery architecture. The word „batalha“ means „battle“ or „struggle“, which got an impulse for monastery foundation. Nearby Batalha, Aljubarrota battle field is situated, where the Portugueses, under leading of John I., father of Henry Seafarer, gained their independence. So, King John I. established there Santa Maria de Vitoria (St.Mary Victoria) Monastery, as a thankfullnes for the victory over Castile King. The dimensions of this building, in the centre of the town of Batalha, are really magnificent. The monastery, thankful gesture to Virgin Mary for help in a battle, became a sanctuary of new King´s Aviz Dynasty, started with King John I.

The architecture of the monastery is changing, from late Gothic, via Manuel, up to Renaissance style. The monastery is a work of six important architects and their pupils. In 1388, King John I. employed with the building the members of Dominican Order. They invited Alfons Domingues, Portuguese architect, and this man led the works till 1402. Domingues created the navy and chorus, including marvellous window paintings, a portal, decorated with many figures and King´s Cross Way. The rest of the construction was in charge of Master Ouguete, French architect. He entered into history of art, first of all, thanks to beautiful Founder´s Chapel of 1430. This marvellous chapel belongs to master works of Portugal Gothic, which stressed an accent to different esthetic elements.

This individual artistic style of Portuguese reached its top during rule of King Manuel I. He ordered to construct, from pride over success of Portuguese seafarers, discoverers and scientists, most monumental buildings, so that recently obtained King´s power could be maintained for ever. The architects did not follow stylistic principles of Gothic style. They embodied into their buildings (constructions) many exotic elements from foreign cultures as well as some people´s elements.  So, they created new style, named as Manuel style, in honour of this revelled King. Batalha Monastery was arranged in spirit of this new style, when this Gothic Cross Way was decorated with Manuel filigran ornaments, detailed patterns and slight pillars. Gothic arches opened and closed similarly as flowers from revived stones, and sharp sunshine fell into small streets.

Present time

So, Cross Way in Manuel style became most beautiful cross way of the world. So called  Fountain House placed in north-west corner, is taken for a pearl of Middle Age mason art. Trees´ heads are open, on its aerial pillars, above fountains, containing three basins. The entrance gate into Un-finished chapel is 15 metres high, and it is, no doubt, most wonderful Manuel creation. However, King Manuel I. lost later his interest in this building, and was more interested in another buildings which he created himself, such as, for instance, Belem Monastery. His successors stressed to monastery construction, founded in honour of this great Portugal victory over Spaniards, dedicated much more attention, as before. So, this master work of Gothic style is decorated with most elaborated elements of Manuel style.

Text: Denisa Arvajová

Translation: ing. Jan Jonáš

Foto: Picasaweb.com