Terracotta Sculptures of Alcobaça Monastery, Portugal

Inside one of Portugal's most significant monuments, a collection of terracotta sculptures showcases the ingenuity of local craftsmanship, but climate change threatens their future survival.

Founded in 1153 by Portugal’s first king, Afonso Henriques, the Monastery of Alcobaça became an important center of Cistercian spirituality. In the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries, the Cistercian monks of Alcobaça, possibly with the help of hired outside artists, developed ingenious techniques to transform the region’s abundant clay into monumental religious sculptures. These sculptures were created in layers known as tacelos, fired at low temperatures, and then assembled in situ before undergoing surface finishing processes such as gilding and painting.

This method allowed for monumental scale, a high degree of detail, and harmonious integration with the monastery’s architecture. The sculptures’ expressive faces, dynamic gestures, and flowing garments and hair remain a testament to the artistic vision of their creators. These works are among the finest examples of baroque terracotta in the Iberian Peninsula, blending technical mastery with their intrinsic devotional purpose. 

Securing the future of these sculptures requires scientific research and preventive measures to halt further degradation. This also presents an opportunity to connect the conservation of this valuable heritage with the revitalization of local artisanal traditions. Terracotta production has long been a hallmark of the Alcobaça region, and preservation initiatives should engage the expertise of conservators while simultaneously renewing local interest and pride in the region’s ceramic production.