Jerónimos Monastery by 100per100LISBOA

The Jerónimos Monastery is one of the most prominent examples of the Portuguese Late Gothic Manueline style of architecture in Lisbon, a richly ornate architectural style with complex sculptural themes incorporating maritime elements and objects discovered during naval expeditions, carved in limestone. It was classified a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the nearby Tower of Belém, in 1983. The construction of the monastery and church began on 6 January 1501, and was completed 100 years later. The ornate side entrance (the south portal) to the monastery was designed by Juan de Castilho and is considered one of the most significant of his time, but is not, in fact, the main entrance to the building. This shrine-like portal is large, 32-metre high and 12-metre wide, extending two stories. Its ornate features includes an abundance of gables and pinnacles, with many carved figures standing under a baldachin in carved niches, around a statue of Henry the Navigator, standing on a pedestal between the two doors. via 500px http://j.mp/1vsRr3d