Mosteiro Dos Jeronimos (Monastery)
As one of Portugal's most beautiful architectural works, Jeronimos Monastery commands a lengthy history in respect to the nation's political development. Here's my list of 10 most fascinating facts:
1) Order to build it was given in 1496.
By the year 1496, Portugal was already making headway in its string of discoveries, and Vasco da Gama was returning from successful sea journey to India.
King Manual l asked the pope's permission to construct a great monastery situated on the Belem coast to show his gratitude to the Virgin Mary whom he firmly thought had guided his seamen to safety.
After gaining permission, construction of the new monastery started soon.
2) Jeronimos Monastery isn't its genuine name.
The monastery in fact replaced an older church standing on the same location, which was dedicated to Santa Maria de Belem.
Although the real name of new building is Mosteiro da Santa Maria de Belem, it bears "Jeronimos," explaining where "Jeronimos Monastery" originates.
3) Monks received the order to pray.
Since the construction of the structure amounted to a great event in religious history for the country's people at that period, several religious groups wanted to receive the honor of taking up the space. Finally, King Manual l invited the Order of St. Jerome.
For this privilege these monks were "obligated" to pray every day for Prince Henry the Navigator, for the king, and for his future successors.
Also, the monks gave spiritual advice to sailors departing from and returning to Belem.
4) Same monks conceived the pastel de nata
Another thing you surely won't overlook in Belem is, Lisbon's best pastel de natas. It actually makes sense that this current renowned dessert was invented in the Jeronimos Monastery several years ago.
Though the dessert's first record of sales date as far back to the 1830s, there's a belief that the monks came up with the recipe around one century before that.
During that period, the monks and nuns in the monastery used large quantities of egg whites in order to starch their clothes. The remaining yolks allowed space to be creative, which finally became the main ingredient to this delicious dessert.
5) It was designed in Manueline style.
The monastery is now broadly considered one of the greatest examples of Portuguese Late Gothic Manueline architecture in the world.
The whole facade which features elaborate visuals etched into limestone, is a symphony of intricate sculptural themes incorporating nautical objects used in the Age of Discoveries.
6) The major 1755 earthquake did little damage.
The monastery withstood the great earthquake's terrible shake in 1755.
Despite the earthquake razing several buildings to the ground, the monastery survived with light damage to its balustrade and high choir, which were repaired promptly and easily following the event.
7) Vasco da gama's tomb lies here.
As a symbol of the Age of Discoveries, it's quite suitable to find Vasco da Gama's remains in one of the monastery's tombs.
The building's patron, King Manual l and his family have also been lay to rest in the monastery's lower level.
Nearby to them, a few of the country's most renowned authors lay permanently here as well, such as Luis de Camoes and Fernando Pessoa.
8) It became known as one of Portugal's 7 wonders.
All seven wonders are historic sites, retaining monumental importance to the country's culture and past, two of which stand not only in Lisbon but also in Belem.
The Jeronimos Monastery is one of them and the Tower of Belem is the other. So a short walk to Belem allows you to check off two of these 7 wonders in one brief visit.
9) Money for erecting it came from varying sea voyages.
It's frequently very shocking to ponder on the time required for this monument's evolution. It's construction wouldn't have been on the cheap side and the country wasn't exactly flourishing at that time yet.
The monastery took more than a century to build. Throughout this long era, treasures from various expeditions to South America, Africa, and Asia provided the funds to finance the construction's continuation.
10) It is a UNESCO world heritage site.
On account of the monastery's cultural and historic significance to Portugal, it was honored in 1983 with a UNESCO World Heritage status.
It's today one of Lisbon's most visited landmarks.
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