The imposing Jeronimos monastery stands at the back of the monumental Praca do Imperio, now formal gardens and a vast parking lot. The fabulously ornate stonework of the façade is restored to its original, blindingly white state and makes a startling and unexpected sight in this predominantly post-1755 city.

Begun in 1501, this jewel of Manueline style took a century to be completed and, as a result, its architectural and decorative elements span Gothic, Renaissance, and neoclassic forms. Commissioned by King Manual I, the monastery affirmed the political and expansionist power of Portugal at the time, being close to the tidal beach where Vasco da Gama’s ships made their triumphant return from India.

Miraculously, the monastery structure was one of the few buildings to survive Lisbon’s 1755 earthquake, thanks to its intelligently conceived vaults, although statues tumbled from niches and columns. The unique architectural style won it UNESCO classification as a World Heritage site.