Monastery of Alcobaça
Alcobaça








Description:
The construction of this set of buildings started in the twelfth century and continued over time, beginning with the medieval Cistercian abbey with church and cloister, until nowadays, with the central church, the South Wing and the three cloisters to the north. In the existing structures predominates the use of Masonry, ashlars masonry on walls, arches, vaults and also timber floors and roofs. The South Wing, symmetric with the North Wing, has a 87 x 16 m2 development area with a screed of approximately 15 m. The Latin cross church has around 108 m total length. The north wing includes three cloisters The oldest, known as "Cloister of D. Diniz”, dating from the early fourteenth century, has an approximate dimension of 85 x 85 sqm, and is developed on two levels, with a screed exceeding 20 meters. The next cloister, named “The Cardinal Cloister” or “da Levada”, is a Renaissance construction, and has, in plan, a 60 x 80 m2 dimensions. The "Cloister of the Library" is 80 x 95 m2.
Main pathologies:
Foundation’s settling in the north wing, resulted in walls and masonry vaults dilapidation. Fractures and not reinforced old joints in the arches and on walls of the church, are due to earthquakes, namely to the one of 1755. Excessive deformation of timber pavements and roofs. Most of the structures and covering were rot due to water infiltrations. The decay of regular masonry, particularly the one that is composed of excessively porous lime stone, is due to humid microclimate action. Damaged old draining system with some cracks.
Main interventions:
Steel roofing structure and rehabilitation of the timber roofing replacing some elements.

Construction of various interior structures of reinforced concrete.

Consolidation of foundations with micro-piles.

Reinforcement of walls with reinforced concrete cladding.

Implementation of ramp and stair accesses from the exhibition gallery to the barn.

Nailing the corners of the walls with stainless steel pipes injected with grout.
Property owner:
IPPAR
Architecture:
Gonçalo Byrne e Falcão de Campos
Construction:
TEIXEIRA DUARTE, STAP e MATEUS E IRMÃOS
End of works:
-
« Back