Jerónimos Monastery

Jerónimos Monastery (classified by UNESCO as World Heritage) is the most outstanding example of Manueline style. Its construction started in the beginning of the 16th century, according to the wish of D. Manuel, in the site of a former Chapel founded by Infante D. Henrique and dedicated to Santa Maria de Belém. This long edification is over 300m wide. Its huge proportions reveal details of several projects, restoring and additions, testimonies of a long 5 century-old period that went through several phases. Initially, the works were carried out under the strict control of the King, who financed the construction with the “pepper tax”. Many masters led the edification works, such as: Boytac, João de Castilho, Leonardo Vaz, Diogo de Torralva, Jerónimo de Ruão, among others. The south portal, conceived by João de Castilho, presents a vast sculpture set, centred upon the main character of Santa Maria de Belém. In the western portal, the main entrance of Jerónimos Monastery, created by Nicolau de Chanterenne, we find the representations of King D. Manuel I, Queen D. Maria I and Nativity. The kings of Avis dynasty are buried here, such as D. Manuel I and Cardinal D. Henrique, as well as the tombs of Vasco da Gama and Luís de Camões (in the church), Fernando Pessoa (in the cloister) and Alexandre Herculano (Chapter Room).

www.mosteirojeronimos.pt

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