Batalha as a sacred place

Abstract

Before attempting to evaluate the monastic complex at Batalha, known as Mosteiro da Santa Maria da Vitria, as a sacred place the author considers the expressive aim of Gothic cathedrals, of which this edifice exemplifies the late Gothic style. Because the author believes that historical research ought also to provide lessons for the present the research is concluded with a speculation on the reasons for the almost total absence of articulations of the concept of sacredness in twentieth-century architecture.

Voordat die kloosterkompleks te Batalha wat as die Mosteiro da Santa Maria da Vitria bekend staan, bespreek word, word 'n bespreking gewy aan die ekspressiewe doel van Gotiese katedrale, waarvan die gebou onder bespreking die laat-Gotiese styl verteenwoordig. Aangesien die outeur die oortuiging huldig dat geskiedkundige navorsing ook lesse vir die hede behoort in te hou, word die navorsing afgesluit met 'n spekulasie oor die redes vir die bykans totale afwesigheid van argitektuur waarin die konsep van heiligheid geartikuleer word.