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While in Lisbon take a short trip to enjoy the Jeronimos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This monumental church and monastery were built in 1502 by King Manuel, the great monarch of the Portuguese maritime discoveries. Tremendous riches pouring in from the spice trade with the Far East funded construction of this massive complex, which they say was “built out of pepper” but actually is made from white limestone.
It was designed in the late Gothic style but with a unique twist called Manueline, after the king, with elaborate carvings that reflect Portugal’s maritime discoveries, including fish, ropes, sails, tropical fruits, sea plants and other nautical details. It was built in homage to St. Jerome by the wealthy Religious Order of Christ, who were a continuation of the medieval Knights Templar.
Walking through the church is a goose-bump experience brought on by the astonishing, lofty interior space, supported by tall columns that soar heavenward and spread like trees in branching stone ribs at the top, forming a delicate, tracery pattern on the ceiling. The many Gothic arches are lined with twisted stone carved to look like sailor’s ropes. Several notable tombs inside include Vasco da Gama, King Manuel and other royals.