Santa Cruz Monastery

4.6 (6,091 reviews)

Tourist AttractionChurchPlace of WorshipAssociation Or OrganizationPoint of Interest

Best time to visit

Best visited in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the natural light that highlights details and frescoes.

Budget tips

Tickets are affordable, with free entry on the first Sunday of the month; it is recommended to buy combined tickets for several museums in the city.

Recommended for

History lovers, Architecture fans, Travelers who enjoy cultural tours

Plan your visit

1-1.5 hours

About

Quick facts: The church has one of the longest monastic corridors in Portugal, measuring 110 meters long. It combines Romanesque and Baroque architectural styles, which is very unusual for this region.

Highlights: The monastery houses the tomb of Portuguese kings, including the first king of Portugal, Afonso Henriques, giving visitors a sense of entering a royal world. At the entrance, there is an inscription with ancient Portuguese letters that few modern tourists even notice.

Insider tips

Wear comfortable shoes as the monastery floor is rocky and there is a lot of walking.
Photograph the tomb inscriptions up close as they reveal interesting historical details.
Avoid weekends when there are more group tours.
Bring an audio guide for a better understanding of the architectural and historical details.