PORTUGAL ~ Monastery of Alcobaça - UNESCO ~

... Back after a short break because of my first eye operation... (the other eye next week)... beautiful monastery view... renowned as the first and largest example of Cistercian Gothic architecture in the country... with its magnificent architecture, rich history and cultural significance, it is an important landmark of Portugal... the Monastery of Alcobaça is forever linked to Portugal’s most enduring love story... within its grand nave lie the intricately carved tombs of King Pedro and Inês de Castro, placed foot to foot so that, on Judgment Day, they will see each other first... their tragic tale, a forbidden romance between a prince and his beloved who was murdered on royal orders, has been told and retold across centuries... the Alcobaça Monastery attracts thousands of visitors annually... Thanks a lot Marta! (✿◠‿◠)

Alcobaça is a town in central Portugal's Silver Coast region. The monastery was established in 1153 by the first Portuguese king, Afonso Henriques, and would develop a close association with the Portuguese monarchy throughout its seven-century-long history. This association led to the monastery becoming the richest and most influential in Portugal by 1300, with a population of almost 1,000 monks and business interests including farming, fishing and trade. It closed in 1834, amid the dissolution of the monasteries in Portugal. 

The Monastery of Alcobaça was included in UNESCO's World Heritage Site list in 1989. 

Stamp:

Portuguese pavement

(Issued ????)