Home Governo de Portugal DGPC Home UNESCO
Versão Portuguesa

World Heritage

Alcobaça Monastery has been inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site since December 1989 (13th Session of the World Heritage Committee held in Paris). This process was initiated by a proposal from ICOMOS in April 1989 on the basis of inscription criteria I and IV.


Criteria


Criterion I

To represent a masterpiece of human creative genius.

Justification

• Grandeur of dimensions
• Architectural purity and luminosity
• Beauty of the materials
• Rigour of execution
• Masterpiece of Cistercian Gothic art
• Testament of the aesthetics and ascetic ideal characteristic of the early constructions of the Cistercian Order
• Tombs of Pedro and Inês – considered amongst the most beautiful Gothic sculptured sarcophagi. 

 


Criterion IV

To be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history.

Justification

• A unique group of mediaeval hydraulic infrastructures and functional monastic buildings: Cloister, Chapter House, Parlatory, Dormitory, Monks’ Room, Refectory and the famous 18th century kitchen.

rss