Mosteiro dos Jerónimos

The Hieronymus Monastery is the most significant historical building in the whole of Portugal and is one of the city's finest examples of Manueline architecture. King Manuel I had the building constructed in extravagant splendour in the heyday of the country's expeditions from 1502, funded by the lucrative trade with Asia. Several architects worked on this enormous task for around 100 years. The west wing was not completed until the 19th century. In 1984 UNESCO placed the monastery on its World Heritage... List.
Very impressive is the south portal with 24 life-size figures of saints and dignitaries. The Blessed Virgin Mary of Bethlehem stands in the centre. On the centre pedestal stands Infante Dom Henrique, better known as Henry the Navigator. At the main entrance, the west portal, the birth of Jesus is depicted in picture scenes. Many of the most important personalities in Portuguese history are buried in the church grounds. more

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