PORTUGAL, JC PORTUGAL DMC

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Architecture

• Architecture
• Modern Porto - 4 hours

Architecture

Romanesque and Gothic influences have given the country some of its greatest cathedrals and in the late 16th century a national style (Arte Manuelina) was synthesized by adapting several forms into a luxuriantly ornamented whole.
Outstanding examples of Portuguese architecture include the Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon, in ornate Manueline style; the Sé (cathedral) of Lisbon, in part of the facade of which the remains of Roman construction may still be seen; the Palace of Justice in Lisbon, a fine, soaring example of austere modern architecture; the castle and the church of the Convent of Christ (Convento de Cristo) in Tomar; the late Portuguese Gothic abbey of Santa Maria da Vitória in Batalha; the granite Tower of the Clerics (Torre dos Clérigos) in Porto and Braga's Romanesque cathedral.
Two contemporary architects have had world-wide fame for the originality, concept and functionality of their designs. Álvaro Siza Vieira is famous for the Casa de Chá da Boa Nova in Leça da Palmeira and the Contemporary Art Museum in Porto; Museu de Serralves. Eduardo Souto Moura is mostly famous for his residential projects, though recently he designed the new Casa das Histórias Paula Rego, a museum for the renowned Portuguese painter.
Since the second millennium BC, there has been important construction in the area where Portugal is situated today. Portugal boasts several scores of medieval castles, as well as the ruins of several villas and forts from the period of Roman occupation. Modern Portuguese architecture follow the most advanced trends seen in European mainstream architecture with no constraints, though preserving some of its singular characteristics. The azulejo and the Portuguese pavement are two typical elements of Portuguese-style architecture. Portugal is perhaps best known for its distinctive Manueline architecture with its rich, intricate designs attributed to Portugal's Age of Discoveries.