Morocco to Spain and Portugal Day 13: Batalha, Nazaré, Òbidos, and Lisbon

Today we began in Batalha, at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Monastery of Santa Maria da Vitória. It was built to give thanks for the decisive victory at the Battle of Aljubarrota in 1385.

The nave’s stained-glass windows cast stunning rainbow patterns across the stone.

It took 200 years and the reigns of seven kings to bring the building to this point—yet the sanctuary remains unfinished, open to the sky without a roof. It’s an unfinished masterpiece.

The pillars of the unfinished church are gorgeous

We had lunch in Nazaré, a small coastal town famous for its massive waves—some of the largest ever surfed, reaching heights of over 100 feet.

Can you find me under the pink and blue umbrella? 😌

This woman is showing us the traditional dress of Nazaré–seven skirts. She was so fun and crazy and kind.

She gave us big plates of nuts to sample.

In the afternoon we went to yet another darling small town Óbidos. If you’re getting tired of reading about town after town, just scan the pictures. 😂

In Òbidos they have a cherry liqueur that you drink out of a chocolate cup.