The abbey was founded in 1153, through a donation by King Afonso Henriques
The monumental complex of the Monastery of Alcobaça is one of the most remarkable and best-preserved examples of Cistercian architecture and spatial philosophy. Alcobaça was the last foundation established during the lifetime of Saint Bernard and the first fully Gothic monument in the country. The abbey was founded in 1153, through a donation by King Afonso Henriques to Saint Bernard of Clairvaux.
