Portugal is an incredibly rich country in terms of history and culture. Its territory is filled to the brim with awe-striking buildings that stand out as a testament to the country’s artistic identity!

Although Manueline is by far the most famous and sought-after style in the country, Romanesque architecture flourished in Portugal in the 12th century, so we definitely should not overlook it.

During that time, many Romanesque churches and monasteries were built. The development of this style was intertwined with the Portuguese participation in the Reconquista, which is why the buildings stand out not only as architectural monuments but also as significant historical landmarks.

Join us in this cultural journey of (re)discovering Portuguese Romanesque architecture!

Romanesque Architecture in Portugal

Romanesque architecture developed in medieval Europe, having been predominant in the 11th and 12th centuries. It preceded the Gothic style.

The Romanesque style has its roots in Roman techniques. It developed simultaneously in Italy, France, and the Iberian Peninsula.

In Portugal, the Romanesque was predominant in recently conquered regions. They were likely more open to influences. As such, even though Romanesque influences arrived in Portugal at the end of the 11th century, it wasn’t until the second quarter of the 12th century that the style actually became popular.

It is believed that the Reconquista – a series of military campaigns waged by Christian kingdoms against the Muslim kingdoms – caused the increased use of Romanesque techniques in Portugal.

The Reconquista took place from the North to the South. If one were to follow a route of Romanesque architecture in Portugal, they’d notice that the North is abundant in Romanesque buildings, whereas the South has fewer landmarks. More precisely, Romanesque churches are very common in the Northwest and the Center.

The expansion of the Romanesque also coincided with the territory’s reorganization since many new parishes appeared in the 12th and 13th centuries. The churches were considered “the consecrating pole of the entire parish,” so it was only natural that so many were built during that period.

Afonso Henriques, also known as Afonso I and the Conqueror, was the first king of Portugal. It was during his reign that some of the most iconic Portuguese Romanesque constructions were built.

During his reign, Portugal was adorned with the famous cathedrals in Lisbon, Coimbra, Viseu, and Porto, as well as with the Monastery of Santa Cruz. It’s worth noting, however, that many of the original Romanesque decorations were lost over time. The Monastery of Santa Cruz, for example, was fully Romanesque at first, displaying French Romanesque influences. Over the years, the decorations were destroyed or replaced. Today, it is largely Manueline.

Romanesque Architecture – Characteristics

Although predominantly a religious architecture, the Romanesque style was also used for:

• Townhouses
• Domestic buildings
• Military structures
• Palaces
• Commercial premises
• Castles
• City walls
• Bridges

Here are some characteristics that are typical of the Romanesque:

• Thick walls and small windows
• Rectangular piers that support arches
• Columns that serve for structural and decorative purposes
• Corinthian capitals (round at the bottom and square at the top, sitting on a circular column) that supported an arch or a wall
• Barrel, groin, ribbed, or pointed-arched vaults
• Octagonal domes with corner squinches (triangular corners that support the dome base)
• A Latin Cross plan
• Symmetrical facades with two tall towers on each side and deeply recessed openings
• A single portal placed on the west front
• Lombard band arcades (rows of small arches supporting a roofline)
• Aisles separated by arcades
• Larger monasteries may have three aisles supported by columns or piers
• Semicircular arches
• Geometrical decorations
• Figurative sculptures, particularly around cathedral and church portals; these are usually Biblical in subject or depict legends of local saints (particularly in Portugal) to teach people about virtues and sins; some Portuguese Romanesque buildings also feature mundane events, like musicians playing instruments, people dancing, or peasants planting crops.
• Mural decorations
• Stained glass
• Corbels featuring human or animal heads, as well as imaginary beasts
• Wooden roofs
• Cloisters (an open gallery or arcade) running along the building wall

Due to historical circumstances, Portuguese Romanesque churches have a unique trait – although they’re all quite similar at first glance, there are some dissimilarities between churches located in different regions.

These differences can be linked to political and geographical circumstances and external influences. All these distinguishable Romanesque styles are sometimes called dialects of the Portuguese Romanesque.

Romanesque Landmarks in Portugal

If you’re passionate about architecture or simply want to immerse yourself in Portugal’s history and culture, we strongly recommend adding these landmarks to your must-visit list!

1. Lisbon Cathedral

The Cathedral of Lisbon (Sé de Lisboa), located in the heart of the city, is its oldest church. It is among the most iconic Romanesque buildings in the country.

The cathedral was built in 1147. It has been restored multiple times, after having survived several earthquakes – some in the 14th and 16th centuries and, naturally, the infamous 1755 Lisbon earthquake. As a consequence, the building is now a combination of various architectural styles, although it was originally fully Romanesque.

The Cathedral of Lisbon has a Latin cross plan – it has three aisles, a transept (a transverse part that lies across the main body of the building), a main chapel, and an ambulatory that surrounds it.

With two towers flanking the entrance, the facade has a fortress-like appearance. The circular rose window stands out among all other elements adorning the facade. The portals are also decorated with capitals featuring Romanesque motifs.

At the end of the 13th century, some Gothic elements were added:

• A Gothic cloister (which was damaged during the 1755 earthquake)
• The Romanesque apse was replaced by a Gothic chapel (which was destroyed during the 1755 earthquake)
• The ambulatory was adorned with three Gothic tombs

Later on, during the 17th century, Sé de Lisboa was decorated with a Baroque sacristy. After the 1755 earthquake, the chapel acquired a neoclassical and Rococo appearance. In the 20th century, however, the neoclassical elements were removed.

2. Cathedral of Braga

The Cathedral of Braga was likely finished in the 13th century.

Back then, its Western facade was fully Romanesque. Today, however, it looks completely different except for some capitals and archivolts. The portal on the Southern facade retains Romanesque elements, particularly on the tympanum and columns. The interior of the church has three aisles.

Although the chapels were Romanesque in style at first, they were subsequently rebuilt. The main chapel acquired a Manueline style, and the others were adorned with Baroque elements. The small chapel on the outside of the cathedral was likely kept in its initial Romanesque form.

Over the centuries, the nave (the central part of the church) of the Cathedral of Braga underwent several changes in terms of style. However, all these upgrades were removed in the 20th century, so the nave is now fully Romanesque.

Today, the Cathedral of Braga has Romanesque, Gothic, Manueline, Moorish, and Baroque decorations.

3. Porto Cathedral

The Cathedral of Porto is among the country’s most significant Romanesque treasures. Its construction began in the 12th century. The building wasn’t finished until the 16th century.

The cathedral has two square towers, each with two buttresses. The facade largely retains its original Romanesque appearance, although some modifications were done over the years. It lacks outstanding decorations, except for the Baroque porch and the rose window adorned with Romanesque elements.

Like the nave of the Braga Cathedral, the nave of the Porto Cathedral is Romanesque in style – it is narrow and covered by barrel vaulting and flanked by two aisles. The central aisle is covered by a stone roof, which, in turn, is supported by flying buttresses – all Romanesque in style. 

4. The Old Cathedral of Coimbra

The construction of the Old Cathedral of Coimbra was likely overseen by the same architect who oversaw the construction of Lisbon Cathedral, which is why the two have quite a similar appearance.

However, the building in Coimbra surpasses the one in Lisbon in terms of Romanesque elements and preservation. It is, in fact, the only building in Portugal that has retained much of its original elements.

The Old Cathedral in Coimbra has a fortress-like exterior. It has high crenelated walls, narrow windows, and a tower-like structure in the center of the Western facade. The portal and the window on the facade are Romanesque in style and feature some Arabic and Pre-Romanesque motifs. The facade is also adorned with thick buttresses.

The North facade has a Renaissance portal, which was built in the 16th century. The main chapel is Romanesque, as is the northern one. The southern chapel was rebuilt in a Renaissance style. The roof lantern one can see over the transept features Romanesque and Baroque elements.

The nave of the Old Cathedral in Coimbra has two aisles. It is covered by barrel vaulting, while the lateral aisles are covered by groin vaults. The interior column capitals are decorated with vegetable, animal, and geometric motifs and patterns. The cathedral has around 380 heavily decorated capitals. Today, they are considered the most remarkable testament of Romanesque sculpture. The cloister was built sometime later, during the transition from Romanesque to Gothic, which is why it retains elements of both.

5. The Round Church at the Convent of Christ

The Round Church at the Convent of Christ is predominantly Romanesque. It has a 16-side polygonal structure and features strong buttresses and round windows.

The interior has a round octagonal structure. The capitals of the columns are among the country’s few well-preserved Romanesque treasures. They feature vegetal and animal motifs, which may have been sculpted by the same artists who worked on the decorations of the Cathedral of Coimbra.

6. The Romanesque Church of Rates

The Monastery of Rates isn’t as renowned among tourists as other buildings we mentioned in our guide because it’s a hidden gem in Northern Portugal.

However, one cannot deny the importance of its church in our discussion – it is one of the oldest, most well-preserved churches in Portugal adorned with Romanesque elements.

The Church dedicated to St. Peter of Rates, also known as the Romanesque Church of Rates, has a fortress-like appearance, lacks heavy decorations, and features a Romanesque portal.

7. Church of Santa Eulalia of the Monastery of Arnoso

Yet another hidden gem – the Church of Santa Eulalia of the Monastery of Arnoso. It is located in Vila Nova de Famalicão in the Braga District.

The original building actually dates from the 7th century. However, it was destroyed in the 11th century by the Moors. Later on, King Garcia II ordered the reconstruction of the church. It was eventually rebuilt in a Romanesque style, which is preserved until the present times.

The church has a Romanesque nave, a barrel vault, a rectangular apse, and blind arches. The round arches on the wooden portal are decorated with geometric patterns and zoomorphic elements.

8. Domus Municipalis of Bragança

As mentioned earlier, churches weren’t the only structures built in a Romanesque style. Domus Municipalis of Bragança proves this – it is now one of the few buildings in Portugal whose Romanesque elements were preserved.

Some historians argue that the building may have served as a place for public meetings. Other specialists believe it may have actually been a cistern rather than a Municipal house. Whatever its purpose, one cannot deny that the structure is a Romanesque treasure.

It was likely built in the first half of the 13th century. The structure has an irregular pentagon shape and was built using granite blocks held together by mortar. The wooden roof is supported by three arches. The walls are thick, and the windows are small. Corbel decorations are also Romanesque. 

Other Romanesque Buildings in Portugal

If you have time and are interested in exploring the various dialects of the Portuguese Romanesque, we’ve prepared a list of landmarks that are worth checking out. 

• The Benedictine Monastery of Castro de Avelãs is located in Castro de Avelãs, 3 km away from Bragança. The church’s Romanesque elements are incredibly well-preserved, and the structure is an important historical landmark. Specialists argue that this particular building falls within the Mudejar expression of Romanesque architecture.
• The Church of São Salvador is located in Bravães, Ponte da Barca, and features multiple Romanesque elements, particularly in its sculptures and portal. Its tympanum depicts Christ in the Glory of Heaven accompanied by two of His apostles. There’s also a figure of Mary and angel Gabriel. 
• The Castle of Pombal is located in Pombal, Leiria. It is a Romanesque fortress built in the 12th century.
• The Church of São Vicente de Sousa is located in Felgueiras, Porto, and stands out as a major Romanesque monument.
• The Monastery of Santa Maria de Pombeiro is located in Felgueiras, Porto, and is noticeably Romanesque in style. It is one of the most iconic Benedictine monasteries in Northern Portugal. The building is an example of the late Romanesque style combined with early Gothic floral motifs.  
• The Church of São Pedro de Ferreira is located in Ferreira, Porto. It has a single nave and a semi-circular transept. The decorations and sculptures of this church are of great diversity, featuring influences from the Braga Cathedral, as well as the Zamora Cathedral and the San Martin de Salamanca in Spain.
• The Monastery of the Saviour of Paço de Sousa is located in Penafiel, Porto. It is an iconic monastery of the Benedictine Order. The church is an example of nationalized Romanesque, which combines pre-Romanesque elements and Romanesque motifs used in Porto and Coimbra.
• Igreja de Santo André da Vila Boa de Quires is located in Marco de Canaveses in Northern Portugal. Its portal is similar to that of the above-mentioned church in Penafiel and features vegetal motifs, whereas the corbels are adorned with bovine heads.
• The Church of Saint Mary is located in Sintra and is an excellent example of the architectural style that marked the transition between the Romanesque and the Gothic.
• Ponte de Vilela is a medieval bridge located in Arcos de Valdevez.

If you’ve ever visited Portugal, you’ve probably already heard about the Manueline style! It is the famous Portuguese architectural style! The Manueline encompasses elements that were used to decorate the country’s most treasured churches and monasteries.

The Manueline has roots in the Age of Discoveries and was named in honor of King Manuel I. It quickly became a favorite in the 16th century. Back then, however, it was not distinguished from other Gothic styles and did not even have a name. It was only centuries later that the uniqueness of this architecture was acknowledged.

Have we stirred your curiosity yet?! If so, we encourage you to keep reading! You’ll learn everything there is to know about the history and development of the Manueline style. Furthermore, you’ll discover the nine most prominent Manueline landmarks in Portugal. As a bonus, we’ve included a list of 14 other destinations that will bring value to your trip – that is, if you’re on the hunt for Manueline art!

The Roots of the Manueline Style – The Age of Discoveries

During the reign of Manuel I, also known as the Fortunate, Portugal registered a significant spike in terms of cultural and scientific developments. It was during his reign that the maritime connections between Europe and the Far East were established. Manuel I sponsored Vasco da Gama’s expeditions, as well as the trips made by other famous Portuguese navigators like Pedro Alvares Cabral or Afonso de Albuquerque.

The discoveries that followed are still considered the most significant, having led to newly established connections between peoples from different continents.

Securing the Funds for Manueline Churches

Vasco da Gama created the first link between Europe and Asia by outlining the sea route to India. This discovery led to an economic boost for the Portuguese Empire, primarily thanks to the spices imported from Southeast Asia – mainly pepper and cinnamon.

Pedro Alvares Cabral was the one who discovered Brazil, which further broadened Portugal’s knowledge of the world and expanded its relationship with other countries. Afonso de Albuquerque was a skilled military commander, possibly one of the greatest naval commanders of the time. He was the one to claim mare clausum (a body of water that is under the jurisdiction of a state) in the Indian Ocean.

Apart from the major discoveries mentioned above, we must mention another detail – Portugal’s advantageous position on the southwesternmost point in Europe. It was a popular midway stop for ships sailing between Northern Europe and the Mediterranean.

This position on the map further enhanced the country’s cultural, economic, and scientific enrichment. Lisbon welcomed ships bearing otherworldly treasures – jewels, furniture made with woods unknown to Portuguese people, embroidered silks, and many others.

All these additions led to the development of the Manueline style, also known as the Portuguese late Gothic style. While the term is now mainly used in an architectural context, the Manueline style was once used in various types of visual art, including painting and sculpture.

Needless to say, the construction of the buildings in the Manueline style was financed by Manuel I. He relied on the profit from the spice trade with Africa and India.

The Manueline – Beginnings and Development

In the 15th-16th century, there was no Manueline architecture. This term was actually coined centuries later by Francisco Adolfo de Varnhagen. He used this word to describe the Jeronimos Monastery, naming its style in honor of King Manuel I.

During the reign of Manuel I, however, the architecture in Portugal was not considered to be very different from the architecture in France or other European countries.

The Manueline style was developed in the context of religious expansions – as you’ll soon see, most of the buildings adorned with Manueline motifs were either churches or monasteries. All were built or rebuilt during the reign of Manuel I.

This Portuguese late Gothic style revolved around exaggerating Gothic decorations and mixing them with natural elements, thus stirring people’s interest. Since Portugal lacked the workforce required for such a rapidly expanding architectural project, authorities hired hundreds of craftsmen from different countries. Therefore, they brought along decorative elements they learned about in their own countries and used them in the developing Portuguese style.

The Manueline – a True Style or Not?

This aspect stirred much controversy over the years. Many specialists have debated whether the Manueline was indeed a true style or not. Some argued that since it had no new architectural forms but rather an “assortment of decorative motifs from a host of local and international sources,” the Manueline could not be considered a unique Portuguese style.

Other specialists advise that this aspect is exactly what distinguishes the Portuguese Manueline style from the Late Gothic. First, Manuel I aimed at building many churches in a very short time. Second, the country lacked skilled craftsmen. As a consequence, workers were forced to find creative solutions to problems they had never encountered before.

As Pedro Dias mentions in The Manueline. Portuguese Art during the Great Discoveries, “They over-embellished decorative elements, over-used exuberant forms, joined columns and colonettes to piers for no functional purpose, interpreted common schemes badly, all of which resulted in anti-erudite and even ingenuous art.” In addition, many churches and chapels were (re)decorated by common people who were not in the least experts in architectural decorations. 

Donald F. Lach states the following: “Historians of architecture have generally agreed that the Manueline style is a peculiar Portuguese form of flamboyant Gothic which acquired its individuality through lavish use of decorative motifs derived from various European and foreign prototypes.”

The Spread of the Manueline – Beyond Portugal and Architecture

The Manueline style quickly spread beyond Portugal and Europe overall, reaching Morocco and India. The latter actually played a major role in the development of the Manueline. Some Portuguese architects even left for India to continue their work there.

Furthermore, the Manueline style was not used in architecture only. Its motifs were successfully applied and eventually dominated the Portuguese sub-disciplines of sculpture, painting, engraving, jewelry, silverware and goldware, tapestries, and fabrics.

When Manuel I ordered tapestries depicting 26 scenes of Vasco da Gama’s expedition to India, they were described throughout Europe as having “the Portuguese and Indian style.”

Manueline Style Characteristics

As mentioned, the most distinctive characteristic of the Manueline style is excess and exuberance. Here are some elements/motifs that are commonly observed in the decorations of Manueline buildings:

• Large, deep arches with three or more convex curves
• Twisted facades
• Conical pinnacles
• Plant and animal motifs
• Maritime elements
• Symbols of Christianity
• Elements from the discovered lands
• The symbol of King Manuel I

9 Iconic Landmarks Built in the Manueline Style

The characteristics of the Manueline architecture can be further outlined by looking at some of Portugal’s most renowned buildings.

Unfortunately, many churches financed by King Manuel I were damaged or completely destroyed in the 1755 Lisbon earthquake and the disastrous tsunami that followed. Luckily, some are still standing as proof of the enduring Manueline style.

Keep reading to learn about the most prominent ones!

1. Jerónimos Monastery

Address: Praça do Império 1400-206 Lisboa, Portugal

Hours: 10 am – 5:30 pm (January 1 – April 30); 10 am – 6:30 pm (May 1 – September 30); 10 am – 5 pm (October 1 – December 31)

Tickets: from 12 EUR

The Jerónimos Monastery was built in the place of a small church dedicated to Santa Maria de Belem. The construction began in 1501, at the request of King Manuel I, and ended 100 years later. Without even knowing it, the architects and craftsmen built it in a style that would later become the most significant in Portuguese history – the Manueline style.

The monastery has wide arches and windows separated by thin, delicate mullions (vertical elements that divide windows). The columns featured Plateresque-style ornamentation (an artistic movement that developed in Spain between the late Gothic and early Renaissance).

The vast square cloister was adorned with dynastic symbolic motives, including the coat-of-arms and the cross of the Order of Christ. The inside walls of this cloister were also decorated with elements that would later become characteristic of the Manueline style.

The most prominent Manueline structures are the two main doorways built in cretaceous limestone. They also exhibit European and Moorish motifs and display Renaissance, Plateresco, and Romantic Revivalism influences.

Today, the structure of the monastery is similar to the original one, except for the neo-Manueline towers, the cupola, as well as the neo-Manueline tombs of Vasco da Gama and Luis de Camoes. 

2. Belém Tower

Address: Av. Brasília, 1400-038 Lisboa, Portugal

Hours: 10 am – 5:30 pm 

Tickets: 8 EUR

Alongside the Jeronimos Monastery, the Belém Tower is the most famous Manueline structure in Lisbon. Its construction began in the 16th century. Before Manuel I came to power, King John II had planned to create a strong fort at the entrance of the River Tagus because, in his opinion, Lisbon wasn’t adequately protected. King John II died before he could execute his plan, so Manuel I took matters into his own hands and financed the building process.

The most noticeable Manueline elements incorporated in the structure of the BelémTower are the armillary spheres at the tower’s entrance displaying decorative elements representative of this Portuguese style.

The interior of the main bastion has a circular staircase and vaulted ceilings supported by masonry arches. Although most elements are Manueline, those added during the tower’s restoration in the 1840s are Neo-Manueline.

Over the years, specialists have argued regarding the influences observed in the tower’s architecture. Some have suggested that it is strongly influenced by Islamic and North African prototypes, particularly the cupolas and balconies. Others argue that the Belem Tower is similar to Indian structures like the palace of Udaipur in Rajasthan or the temple of Politana in Gujarat.

3. Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição

Address: Rua da Alfândega 108, 1100-585 Lisboa, Portugal

Hours: Monday to Saturday: 8 am – 11:30 pm; Sunday: 10 am – 11:30 pm

Like other churches displaying Manueline elements, the Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição, was built under the reign of Manuel I.

What makes it stand out as one of the greatest Manueline buildings is its portico (a porch that leads to the entrance of the building, which is either enclosed by walls or supported by columns). This famous portico is adorned with Manueline motifs, displaying sculptures of the Anjo da Anunciacao and Virgem, as well as armillary spheres and the cross of the Order of Christ.

The whole facade is decorated with plant motifs, animals, angels, canopies, and other similar elements. The windows that flank the portico exhibit vegetal motifs as well, which continue to the pillars that extend to the pinnacles. The lateral pillars display yet again ropes and vegetal elements. 

4. Convent of Christ

Address: Igreja do Castelo Templário, Estr. do Convento 8, 2300-000 Tomar, Portugal

Hours: 9 am – 5:30 pm (October – May); 9 am – 6:30 pm (June – September)

Tickets: 10 EUR

The Convent of Christ is located in Tomar in the Santarém district. This structure, as well as the castle, isn’t only a Manueline gem – it also exhibits Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance influences.

The most prominent Manueline structure of the Convent of Christ is its entrance. Its architectural complexity takes one’s breath away! The interior of the church is also enriched with Manueline sculptures and paintings that were added under the orders of King Manuel I.

Furthermore, the nave (the central part of the church that accommodates the congregation) is also largely Manueline. The rectangular nave of the Convent of Christ is decorated with gargoyles, statues, and ropes, as well as the emblem of King Manuel I and the cross of the Order of Christ.

Another trademark of Manueline architecture one can notice while visiting the Convent of Christ is Janela do Capitulo (the Window of the Chapter House), which is covered in ropes, corals, vegetal motifs, and yet again the symbol of Manuel I and the cross of the Order of Christ. At the bottom, one can see a human figure – it probably depicts Diogo de Arruga, the designer. 

5. Monastery of Batalha

Address: Largo Infante Dom Henrique, 2440-109 Batalha, Portugal

Hours: 9 am – 6 pm (October 16 – March 31); 9 am – 6:30 pm (April 1 – October 15)

Tickets: 10 EUR

The Monastery of Batalha, located in the district of Leiria, is yet another Manueline landmark. It was built after Portugal’s victory in the battle of Aljubarrota. The construction began in 1386 and was finished almost 150 years later, around 1517.

Since at least 15 architects (not all Portuguese) worked on this project over more than 100 years, it is unsurprising that the monastery features various styles, including the Flamboyant Gothic style, the Rayonnant Gothic style, and, naturally, the Manueline style.

The original design was altered several times. For example, the octagonal rotunda of The Unfinished Chapels (As Capelas Imperfeitas) was first built in a Gothic style. Later on, however, it was fully rebuilt in a Manueline style, displaying the representative motifs: winged angels, ropes, tree stumps, armillary spheres, and florid projections.

There’s also a motto added to the construction saying Leauté faray tam ayaserei, which translates as “I will always be loyal” and serves as King Manuel I’s dedication to King Edward, his predecessor. The motto is found in over 200 different places. 

6. Sintra National Palace

Address: Largo Rainha Dona Amélia, 2710-616 Sintra, Portugal

Hours: 9:30 am – 6:30 pm

Tickets: 13 EUR

Although Sintra is mostly known for its colorful Palacio da Pena, the city is actually filled with castles, of which the Sintra National Palace is a must-see in terms of Manueline elements.

The castle was once the residence of the Moorish Taifa of Lisbon rulers and subsequently of King Afonso Henriques during the 12th century. Back then, however, the castle was quite different from the one we can visit today. It wasn’t until the 15th and 16th centuries that the building was heavily decorated with additional Gothic, Manueline, and Mudéjar elements.

One can notice Manueline influences on the mullioned windows, as well as in Sala do Cisnes (the Swan Room). King Manuel I also financed the construction of Sala dos Brasões (the Coats-of-Arms Room) and Ala Manuelina (Manuel’s Wing), both displaying evident Manueline elements (particularly on the windows). 

7. Monastery of Jesus 

Address: R. Acácio Barradas 2, 2900-197 Setúbal, Portugal

Hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 10 am – 5 pm; Sunday: 3 pm – 7 pm (June – September) and 2 pm – 5 pm (October – May); Closed on Mondays

Tickets: 3 EUR

The Monastery of Jesus is located in the city of Setubal. Its construction began during the reign of King John II. After his death, King Manuel I financed the construction work of a building that would soon become one of the country’s most important Manueline landmarks. This church is, in fact, the first building covered in Manueline motifs, so its significance in the development of this style is priceless.

The South facade of the monastery has a rectangular nave and a polygonal apse. The outer walls of the nave and apse are delineated by buttresses (a structure that has the goal of supporting the wall) decorated with gargoyles and twisted pinnacles.

The columns one can notice in the interior of the church have a spiral form, which would later become a distinctive characteristic of the Manueline style. Furthermore, the church is also covered in twisted ropes that point to the beginnings of the Manueline style.

8. Guarda Cathedral

Address: Praça Luís de Camões, 6300-714 Guarda, Portugal

Hours: 9:30 am – 1 pm; 2 pm – 5 pm

Tickets: 1 EUR

The Cathedral of Guarda is located in Guarda, Portugal. Its construction history spans over two centuries.

At first, the building was envisioned as having Gothic elements only. The building process was extremely slow. Under King Manuel I’s reign, however, the construction progressed significantly, the cathedral being almost finished in just a few years. During that time, as you’ve probably guessed, workers adorned it with a myriad of Manueline motifs (on the windows, the rib vaulting, the spiraling columns).

Over the next centuries, various architects decided to decorate the cathedral with elements derived from other architectural styles. In the 19th century, Rosendo Carvalheira decided to remove all these additions so that the cathedral remained a traditional Gothic/Manueline building.

9. Church of Saint Francis

Address: Rua do Infante D. Henrique, 4050-297 Porto, Portugal

Hours: 9 am – 6 pm

Tickets: 7,50 EUR

The Church of Saint Francis takes travelers to the North of Portugal, as it is an outstanding monument in Porto. The construction of the church began at the end of the 14th century and was finished in 1425. Its original design was Gothic in essence.

Today, the building looks almost identical to the original version in terms of style. Nonetheless, various additions designed by other architects offered it a distinctive look. For example, Manuel I ordered the construction of the Chapel of St John the Baptist, which was done in the Manueline style.

Other Manueline Locations for Architecture Enthusiasts

The buildings we’ve described above are the most iconic Manueline landmarks! However, many other hidden gems bear either Manueline or neo-Manueline motifs and decorations.

If you’re passionate about architecture and want to learn more about the Manueline style, you can even outline a route throughout the country that will take you to both hot tourist spots and less-known destinations!

To make things easier, we’ve prepared a list of churches and museums you can visit to become the ultimate expert in Manueline architecture and art!

1. Igreja de São João Batista – Vila do Conde, Porto
2. Mosteiro da Santa Cruz – Coimbra
3. Casa dos Bicos – Lisbon
4. Sao Jorge Castle – Lisbon
5. Palacio da Pena – Sintra
6. Igreja Matriz de Cheleiros – Mafra
7. The Castle of Torres Vedras – Torres Vedras
8. Convento de Santo Antonio do Varatojo – Torres Vedras
9. Igreja de São João de Alporão – Santarém
10. Torre das Cabacas – Marvila
11. Igreja dos Lóios – Évora
12. Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Anunciação – Alentejo
13. The Navy Museum – Lisbon (for those who want to learn more about the Great Discoveries, as the museum has a rich collection of vessels and nautical instruments)
14. The National Museum of Ancient Art – Lisbon (for those interested in Manueline art – paintings and sculptures, as well as gold and silver pieces bearing Manueline motifs)