The Manueline is an artistic style that prevailed during the reign of King Manuel I (1495-1521), mediating between the late Gothic and Renaissance language, which synthesises artistic discourses such as Flamboyant Gothic, Spanish Plateresque, and Peninsular Mudejar art. In architectural terms, the Manueline fully conformed to the prevailing canons of
The Dornes Tower is one of the most unusual Templar monuments in Portugal. Located in the municipality of Ferreira do Zêzere, it is set on a buttress over the Zêzere river, from where it overlooks it and enjoys a magnificent panorama. Presumably built on a pre-existing structure dating from the
The Convent of Christ is one of the most important monumental complexes of Portuguese cultural heritage. Originally designed as the oratory of the Knights Templar – the Charola – which was completed in 1190, it was part of the vast complex of buildings commissioned by Dom Gualdim Pais, including the
The Castle of Arraiolos, also known as Paço dos Alcaides, is located in Arraiolos, in the region of Évora, on top of the São Pedro Hill, towering over the town, and allowing a 360º view of the vast Alentejo plain. Built around 1305, during the reign of D. Dinis, it
Protecting the centre of the Alentejo town of Alter do Chão, the Castle is a fine example of fourteenth-century medieval architecture, erected during the reign of Dom Pedro I, in 1359. At that time, it constituted a defensive articulation with Estremoz, Fronteira, Évora Monte, Avis, Alter Pedroso, Marvão, and Portalegre.
During the reign of King Afonso III (13th century), soon after the city was conquered by Christians, the walls of the city and the castle were rebuilt, and the imposing keep was built by his son, King Dinis, during the 14th century. Almost 40 metres high, it is remarkably beautiful and is
It was here that Vasco da Gama’s sea crossing to India was finalised during the Royal Courts of 1496. This is how the Castle of Montemor-o-Novo was remembered in the History of Portugal. Built on what is thought to be the ruins of an ancient Muslim fortification, the castle resisted
The Convento de Nossa Senhora da Conceição (Convent of Our Lady of the Conception) in Beja was founded in 1459 by Prince D. Fernando and Princess D. Brites, the parents of King D. Manuel I and Queen D. Leonor. Over the years, it has undergone aesthetic updates and improvements, thus
“Classified as a National Monument since 1910, it is one of the most complete examples of medieval military architecture in the country. It dates back to 1194, the year in which King Sancho I donated the so-called lands of Guidintesta to Afonso Pães, prior of the Order, with the precept
The Amoreira Aqueduct in Elvas is a work of considerable size, which stretches from the main water source in underground galleries over a length of 1,367 metres and then to ground level. Arcades that reach a height of more than 30 metres can be seen for more than 5.5 kilometres.
