Architecture of Portugal impresses with its variety and you will make sure of that yourself if you travel Portugal. However Gothic style Manueline became a distinctive feature of Portuguese architecture. This style was named after D. Manuel I and it differs much from the rest European countries' architecture. Manueline style is a combination of elements of Gothic and Renaissance styles, it's a unique and respected style of architecture. Distinctive feature of this style is marine motives including anchors, ropes, corals and order of Christ's knights. The most fascinating building in Manueline style is the Jeronimos Monastery.

Mosteiro dos Jeronimos is considered to be the treasure of Manueline. King D. Manuel started to build this monastery in 1501 and the process lasted for the whole century. Finally both King D. Manuel and his posterity were buried in the chancel of the monastery. Jeronimos monastery was dedicated to the Belem Virgin and those monks who lived in this church help sailors when they were passing through. Jeronimos Monastery was built on the bank of Tagus river, that's why the structure of the church was not very much destroyed after sever earthquake in 1755. In case you travel Portugal and visit Lisbon in order to see this perfect monastery, you will have an opportunity to see the monument of Henry the Navigator. In front of this monument there is a panel in the form of huge map of the world, on this map all land which were discovered by Portuguese are marked.

Belem Tower is the second amazing masterpiece of the Age of Discovery and Manueline style, which was not very much destroyed during sever earthquake in 1755. the tower was built in 1515-1521 in the middle of Tagus river and Manuel I was at the head of this process. The fortress is a symbol of country's era of expansion. Belem Tower impresses very much with its exterior beauty. The Tower was built to protect Lisbon's harbour and at the same time it impresses much with it's unforgettable beauty. It combines the motifs of the Age of Discovery including the features of historical persons, for example, St. Vincent. On a tower you'll see a statue of Our Lady of Safe Homecoming, this is an important symbol sailors because they consider this statue to protect them within their voyages.

UNESCO declared both masterpieces of Manueline style Jeronimos Monastery and Belem Tower as Cultural Heritage of all Humanity. In case you travel Portugal we advise you to see each of these best sightseeings and attractions in Portugal.