Lust and gluttony

It is a national monument and a world heritage sites of UNESCO.

The monastery of Alcobaça although housed the white monks and its architecture initially reflected the Benedictine rule of seeking isolation, humility and modesty after centuries of armed conflict, natural disasters and changes little or nothing remains of these godly characteristics in this imposing monument. At the entrance, we encounter its sweeping staircase and a façade with Baroque elements, but are not of architectural features I wish to speak about. The interior of this monument is worth a caveat for its sadly dramatic past that hides behind the thick old walls. The most famous lovers of Portugal rest here in eternal peace, on one of the wings of the tombs of the kings. Dona Ines de Castro, a lady of the Spanish court and Dom Pedro, crown prince could not live thru their great love, who won contours of legend when his majesty after climbing to the throne of Portugal decided to crown his lover, Queen, killed by treachery, and forced all the nobility, the clergy and people to pay her homage as if she was alive. Of this trail of extreme passion all is left is the sarcophagi, where both are buried, it has a very unique characteristic, according to the strict specifications of the king, both figures are flanked by carved angels holding the couple heads until the doomsday when they rise up together to look each other into the eyes! If this is not love then I do not know what is! The fact is that many young couples choose the monastery for their weeding day wrapped in the nature of this bloody romance, a story without a happy ending, well, it depends on your point of view.