Visiting Centro de Interpretação da Batalha de Aljubarrota

CIBA explains the Battle of Aljubarrota, fought in 1385, alongside archaeological discoveries from the battlefield. The exhibition has two sections covering the battle, its historical period and battlefield archaeology.

The auditorium’s multimedia show, “The Battle of the Two Kings,” reconstructs the battle and the events leading up to it. It has translations in German, Spanish, French, English, Italian and Japanese, and is rated for visitors over 6 years old. Photography, filming and audio or image recording are prohibited in the auditorium during the show.

Outside, the visit identifies key positions on the battlefield, including those of the Portuguese and Franco-Castilian armies. The Chapel of São Jorge is part of the regenerated historic battlefield site; Nuno Álvares Pereira commissioned it in 1393.

The centre is in São Jorge, at Avenida D. Nuno Álvares Pereira, nº 120. If you’re driving, the foundation’s directions include access via the A1, A8 and IC2/EN1, with onward directions to São Jorge and the centre.

A car park beside the building accommodates cars and buses. Public transport options include Rodoviária do Tejo intercity buses from Leiria or Batalha, VAMÓS municipal transport in Porto de Mós, and GIRA BATALHA between Leiria and Batalha. Check the relevant operators’ websites for routes and timetables.

If you’re planning a wider day around town, the one-day Batalha itinerary can help you fit the battlefield visit into a broader plan.

Allow about 50 minutes for the centre itself. If you want to include the battlefield and Chapel of São Jorge, plan for about 2 hours in total; the full walking route across the Battlefield of São Jorge is about 1.5 km.

The building and pedestrian paths are described as wheelchair-suitable. The tower inside the building is inaccessible, and uneven ground restricts access to some battlefield areas. An adapted toilet is on floor 0, next to the cloakroom.

Eating and drinking are not allowed in the exhibition areas or auditorium. The foundation directs visitors to the cafeteria or picnic area instead. Facilities include a restaurant, shop and credit-card acceptance.

The centre is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 to 17:30, with closures on Mondays, January 1, Easter Sunday, May 1 and December 25. Opening times and admission arrangements can change, so check the official site before you go.

You can buy tickets through the foundation’s site; confirm admission prices and reservation requirements with the foundation before setting out. Guided tours are also available.

The battlefield walk and Chapel of São Jorge make a natural extension of the indoor visit: together with CIBA, they take about 2 hours. The foundation describes its agreement with the Monastery of Batalha as a way to give visitors an integrated experience of events surrounding the battle.

If you’re adding town sights before or after São Jorge, the Batalha city-centre guide covers getting around and what to see. Parque Aventura de São Jorge is another visitor offering.