the first King of Portugal and founder of a nation
D. Afonso Henriques, also known as Afonso I of Portugal, was born around 1109 and was the visionary responsible for the founding of the Kingdom of Portugal.
Known as “The Conqueror”, he stood out for his determination and military skill in the fight for independence from the Kingdom of León and Castile, of which Portugal was a part. His ambition and courage culminated in 1143, in the historic Conference of Zamora, where Alfonso VII of León and Castile recognized Portugal as an independent territory, proclaiming D. Afonso Henriques as its first king.
During his reign, D. Afonso Henriques led numerous conquests, expanding the kingdom's borders and laying the foundations of Portuguese national identity.
D. Afonso Henriques died in 1185, leaving an indelible legacy in the history of Portugal. He is buried in the Monastery of Santa Cruz, in Coimbra, a place recognized as the National Pantheon. The tomb of D. Afonso Henriques, attributed to the master sculptor Nicolau Chanterene, is a masterpiece of the Manueline style: the grandiose tomb combines Gothic and Manueline elements, exalting the founding role of the monarch and highlighting the greatness of the young kingdom.
Visiting Coimbra and exploring the Monastery of Santa Cruz is to relive the founding history of Portugal, where each stone echoes the visionary spirit of D. Afonso Henriques.
The tomb, a sculptural masterpiece, attracts visitors from all over the world, symbolizing the monarch's essential role in the formation of Portugal and offering visitors a direct link to the country's origins.
Visiting Coimbra and exploring the Monastery of Santa Cruz is to relive the founding history of Portugal, where every stone echoes the visionary spirit of D. Afonso Henriques. An unmissable experience for those who wish to delve into the roots of a nation that began with the strength and courage of a king.
Did you know that D. Sancho I, the second king of Portugal and son of D. Afonso Henriques, is buried next to his father in the Monastery of Santa Cruz, in Coimbra?
This iconic site, in addition to being the first National Pantheon, is a symbol of the continuity of the lineage and consolidation of the Kingdom of Portugal. The tombs of father and son, on either side of the church’s main altar, tell the story of two generations of monarchs who shaped the country’s future and reinforce the importance of Coimbra as the cradle of national identity. A visit to the Monastery is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in this rich and inspiring historical heritage.
Municipal Tourist Office
Old Coimbra Station A
António Granjo Street No. 6
3000-429 Coimbra, Portugal
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Monday to Friday
9h30-13h00 | 14h00-16h30
(Closed on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays)
© Official Coimbra Tourism website