Batalha and Alcobaca, Portugal
We visited these two monasteries, beautiful examples of Gothic architecture built between the 11th and 19th centuries. We were able to explore all the areas, including the dormitories, kitchen, cloisters, chapels ans stables. The interiors are stark and at the same time ornate with impressive stone cuttings. The monks living there were cloistered and took a vow of silence.There was only one room in the monastery where they were allowed to speak and then only of the daily runnings of the monastery could be discussed. It was interesting to get a glimpse of what their daily lives were like.
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