What to do in Gela

Activities, attractions and tours

Lungo mare di Gela
Lungo mare di Gela
The Monastery of Santa Maria da Vitória, known as the Monastery of Batalha (that literally translated means the Monastery of the Battle), is located in the town of Batalha in the center region of Portugal. 

It was built as a result of the promise made on the battlefield, by King João I to the Virgin Mary, under the pressure of all that was at stake, to build a monastery if victory were his on the famous 1385 Battle of Aljubarrota over the Castilians. It serves as well as the burial church of the 15th-Century Aviz dynasty of Portuguese royals. The Monastery (that is one of the best examples of Gothic architecture in Portugal), gave life to its surroundings and shaped their development over more than six centuries.

As Capelas Imperfeitas (The Unfinished Chapels) remain as a testimony of the fact that the monastery was never actually finished. They form a separate octagonal structure tacked on the choir of the church and only accessible from the outside. It was commissioned in 1437 by King Edward of Portugal as a second royal mausoleum for himself and his descendants, but only him and his queen Eleanor of Aragon are buried here. The octagonal rotunda has seven radiating hexagonal chapels. In the corners of the chapels stand the massive unfinished buttresses, that were intended to support the vault. The portal rises to a monumental fifteen meters. It was originally built in Gothic style, but was transformed beyond recognition by Mateus Fernandes into a masterpiece of Manueline style and completed in 1509.

The Monastery of Batalha has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1983.

http://bit.ly/1RG9D2m

  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    Members save % or more when you book activities.

What to do in Gela


Popular places to visit

Frequently asked questions

Is Gela worth visiting?
From shopping to outdoor adventures and history, there are plenty of great things to do in Gela. Be sure to enjoy the area's blend of cool attractions, culture and local charm.
How do I spend a day in Gela?
Once you've checked off major attractions like Manfria Beach and Gela Archeological Museum, spend some time discovering the food and retail options in Gela.
What is the top tourist attraction in Gela?
Manfria Beach is one of the top tourist attractions in Gela and deserves a spot on every itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Gela?
Three days in Gela is enough to visit the city's main attractions. Many guests stay for two days on average. Gela Archeological Museum, Biviere di Gela and L'Acropoli di Gela are among the most popular sights. Want to experience more? Hang around a bit longer to explore nearby hotspots such as Ragusa.
What are some activities to do in Gela with kids?
If you are after attractions and activities for all of your group, we've got some terrific ideas for what to do in Gela with kids.

What to do in Gela for adults?
Whether you're an avid foodie, culture enthusiast or thrill seeker, there are many things to do in Gela for adults.
Are there free things to do in Gela?
From visiting parks to strolling around vibrant neighbourhoods, it's a breeze to find free things to do in Gela. If you're stuck for ideas, get some recommendations from a local tour guide. Greek Fortifications is a must for anyone looking to save on their sightseeing activities.