Welcome to
Interpretation Center
Since 2002, when the renovation and improvement work on the battlefield of São Jorge began, the Battle of Aljubarrota Foundation realised that the crucial factor for the successful safeguarding of this heritage site was the creation of an Interpretation Centre which would present the Battle of Aljubarrota to the public in a rigorous, instructive and captivating way. It was therefore possible, after speaking to the Ministries of Culture and National Defence, to transform the old Military Museum into the Centre of Interpretation of the Battle of Aljubarrota (CIBA), an innovative project which, making the most of new technologies, offers a glimpse of this historic site and the experience we can gain from it.
The Centre of Interpretation of the Battle of Aljubarrota provides a new functional space with a larger capacity and better conditions to receive visitors.
The centre has a floor area of 1 908 sq metres arranged as follows:
- A 900 square metre exhibition area: two exhibition centres dedicated to the Battle of Aljubarrota, the period in which it took place and the archaeological discoveries on the battlefield; and an auditorium for screening a multimedia show reconstructing the battle and the events that lead to it;
- Education area covering 1 500 square metres (indoors and outdoors) with a varied educational programme aimed not only at schools but also at other groups, individuals and families;
- Temporary exhibitions space;
- Shop;
- Cafeteria;
- Picnic area.
The Interpretation Centre was also designed to promote a closer relationship with the surrounding landscape, and the goal is to progressively reclaim this landscape and to ensure that it resembles the landscape of 1385 as closely as possible. Therefore visitors have the opportunity to explore the Battle of Aljubarrota battlefield and learn about the most important facts. These main landmarks include the locations where the Portuguese army and the Franco/Castilian army were initially located; the place where Nuno Álvares Pereira, D. João I, the English archers and the ‘ala dos namorados’ (the name given to the right flank of the Portuguese army during the battle) were positioned; the position of the bombards used by the Castilian army, of the Castilian cavalry, of king D. Juan I etc. Within this regenerated historic site we can still admire the Chapel of São Jorge, commissioned by Nuno Álvares Pereira in 1393.
Visitors therefore have the opportunity to enjoy an integrated tour, where they can examine the battlefield that surrounds the Interpretation Centre. This will no doubt make the visit to the Battlefield of São Jorge more complete and interesting.
Through an agreement with DGPC, the Interpretation Centre works with the Monastery of Batalha to provide its visitors an integrated experience that allows for a more complete understanding of the events which surround the Battle of Aljubarrota.
CIBA’s team wishes all our visitors a great tour experience!
