Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Claustro do Silencio & Sala dos Reis
The beautiful Cloister of Silence dates from two eras: Dom Dinis built the intricate lower
storey, with its arches and traceried stone circles, in the 14th century; the upper storey,
typically Manueline in style, was added in the 16th century. Off the northwestern corner
of the cloister is the 18th-century Sala dos Reis (Kings' Room), so called because statues
of practically all the kings of Portugal line the walls. Below them are
azulejo
friezes de-
picting stories relevant to the abbey's construction. Upstairs, make sure you see the vast
vaulted dormitory.
Sleeping & Eating
Hotel Santa Maria
(
HOTEL
€
262 590 160;
www.hotelsantamaria.com.pt
; Rua Dr Francisco Zagalo 20-22; s/d/tr/ste €39/49/64/70;
)
Popular with tour groups, this modern place sits just across from the Mosteiro de Santa
Maria de Alcobaça. It's unexciting but has a great location and offers decent value. Book
ahead for the front rooms with impressive views of the monastery's facade and square.
B&B
€€€
Challet Fonte Nova
( 262 598 300;
www.challetfontenova.pt
; Rua da Fonte Nova 8; s/d/ste €85/120/145; )
Set amid
pretty gardens, this elegant, charming, 19th-century chalet has grand common areas with
gleaming wood floors, carpets and period furnishings. The main house is especially at-
tractive: sumptuously decorated rooms with big plush beds and not a hair out of place, tall
French windows, and a downstairs self-serve bar with billiard table. There's also a white-
washed modern annexe with suites and a small spa complex.
A Casa
(Praça 25 de Abril 51-54; mains €8-14; 9am-7pm)
Enjoy the local speciality,
frango na púcara
(stewed chicken) in the attractive beamed dining room just off the main square or escape
the crowds on the pretty back patio. This is a reliable, welcoming place to eat. There's a
second location just around the corner on Travessa da Cadeia.
PORTUGUESE
€€
Information
Biblioteca Municipal de Alcobaça
(
www.cm-alcobaca.pt
;
Rua Araujo Guimarães; 2-6pm Mon, 10am-6pm Tue-
Fri, 2-7pm Sat Sep-mid-Jul, 10am-6pm Mon-Fri mid-Jul & Aug)
Free internet at the local library.
