MOSTEIRO DOS JERÓNIMOS

The most imposing Manueline monument, the most remarkable architecturally, wrapped in a beautiful light that underlines its whiteness. In addition, its facade was restored in 2017 and it regained its original whiteness and nobility. It was built on the site of a chapel designed under Henry the Navigator (1394-1460), the man who paved the way for great discoveries. Its construction began in 1502 and the building of this complex (church, cloister and convent are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site) was financed by gold and spices from the colonies. It will take a hundred years in total to overcome it. In the 19th century, the large west wing (now the Archaeological Museum) was added, laboriously plagiarizing the style of the main building. The portals are in every way admirable, full of scenes to read: here the statues of King Manuel and his wife, there the statue of Henry the Navigator, or bas-reliefs recounting the life of Saint Jerome. The south portal abounds in typical Manueline details: fish, ropes, corals... and the cross of the Order of Christ which reminds us that maritime expeditions were largely financed by this order. One is often tempted, for lack of time, not to visit it but it is a pity.

The church itself has three naves with a beautiful flight (it is 20 m high), the vaults resting on frail ornamented pillars. The light is truly mystical, no surprise: the church houses the tombs of Vasco de Gama and Luis de Camões. In the choir, the sarcophagi carried by stylized elephants are those of Manuel I, Joao III and their wives. The refectory is also interesting with its azulejos and low vault.

From the church, you access the masterpiece of Manueline architecture: the cloister. A day of sunshine will reveal its perfect harmony and creamy shades. Absolute reign of sculpted stone: not a column, a capital, a pillar, an arch that is not a pretext with motifs, interlacing, variations on the ornamental foliage, the symbolism of circles, punctuated by different gargoyles. Profusion and luxuriance of nature, ordered in symmetry since - law of harmony - it dominates. Speaking of symmetry, you will notice a place in the church marked with a black tile, where Christ upstairs cuts the rose window exactly in the middle. The small fountain, placed in a section of the cloister, used to be in the centre. It depicts a tamed lion kneeling on a prayer to God..