Batalha Chapterhouse ceiling

The star vaulted ceiling of the Chapterhouse (Sala do Capitulo) in Batalha Monastery. Designed by architect Huguet this was considered quite a feat of engineering given there is no central supporting column and the span is 19 metres.
Legend has it that only condemned criminals were permitted to work on building it as the risks were so high.

Posted by Travel in Portugal on

Related images

{{ title }}

Batalha travel guide »

A small town amidst the hills of the Leiria area, Batalha only became a place of any significance upon the building of its magnificent monastery, now honoured with UNESCO World Heritage status. This gigantic pearl of Gothic architecture occupied Portugal's most accomplished tradesmen under Royal command for the best past of two centuries.It was built to celebrate the Portuguese victory over the…