Portuguese Architecture

Cloisters  of Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon, built in Manueline style in the 1520s. Cloisters of Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon, built in Manueline style in the 1520s. dickobrien
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.


Architecture of Portugal refers to the architecture practiced in the territory of present-day Portugal since before the foundation of the country in the 12th century. The term may also refer to buildings created under Portuguese influence or by Portuguese architects in other parts of the world, particularly in the Portuguese Empire.

Portuguese architecture, like all aspects of Portuguese culture, is marked by the history of the country and the several peoples that have settled and influenced the current Portuguese territory. These include Romans, Germanic peoples and Arabs, as well as the influence from the main European artistic centers from which were introduced to the broad architectural styles: Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassicism.

Among the main local manifestations of Portuguese architecture are the Manueline, the exuberant Portuguese version of late Gothic; and the Pombaline style, a mix of late Baroque and Neoclassicism that developed after the Great Lisbon Earthquake of 1755.

In the 20th century, Portuguese architecture has produced a number of renowned personalities like Fernando Távora, Tomás Taveira, Eduardo Souto de Moura and, especially, Álvaro Siza.

Last modified on Tuesday, 20 December 2011 20:45
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Additional Information:

  • Source (text): Wikipedia
  • Source (media): Wikipedia