Monuments in Portugal

Belem Tower

• On the scale of London's Big Ben and New York's Statue of Liberty, the Belem Tower is one of the most famous monuments in Portugal. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage monument, the tower dates back to 1515 when it served as the fortress guarding Portugal's harbor. The monument features the work Francisco de Arruda, who designed the building in the Manueline style. He incorporated stonework motifs and sculptures of historical figures like Saint Vincent. The tower also hosts Our Lady of Safe Homecoming, a statue looking out over the harbor as a symbol of protection for voyagers.

  Belem Tower
  Praca do Imperio
  1400-206 Lisbon, Portugal
  +00-351-21-362-00-34
  www.golisbon.com/sight-seeing/belem-tower.html

Jeronimos Monastery

• King Manuel I petitioned for the development of the Jeronimos Monastery in 1496. Built along the Tagus River, construction began in 1501 and featured the Manueline style of architecture, which combined Gothic and Renaissance elements with symbols representing the natural world, the king and Christianity. Named after the order of monks who lived in the monastery until 1833, the Portugal monument stands as a representation of the country's history. The site has several statues dedicated to the apostles, prophets, saints and other religious figures.

  Jeronimos Monastery
  Empire Square
  1400-206 Lisbon, Portugal
  +00-351- 21-362-00-34
  www.mosteirojeronimos.pt/english/web_mosteiro_jeronimos/frameset.html

Batalha Monastery

• King Joao I commissioned the Batalha Monastery and dedicated it to the Virgin Mary after the 1385 battle of Aljubarrota ended in a victory for Portugal. The monument is the home for the tombs of King Joao, Queen Philippa and their family. One of the things to see in Portugal is the Chapter House at the monastery. It has one of the highest vaulted ceilings without a central support.

  Batalha Monastery
  Praca Mouzinho de Albuquerque
  Batalha 2440, Portugal
  +24-476-54-97
  www.sacred-destinations.com/portugal/batalha-monastery

Fortress of Sagres

• The Fortress of Sagres is dedicated to Prince Henry the Navigator. Prince Henry built the fortress in the 15th century for use as his home. Restored in 1793, the Portugal monument has a monastery and is the home for an unusual wind compass. The Wind Rose, or Rosa dos Ventos, has 40 segments where most other compasses from the era have 32. Close to the fortress is another historical site: Prince Henry's school of navigation. Historically the school brought together some of the most famous explorers, astronomers, ship-builders, mariners and cartographers of navigational sea charts.

  Fortress of Sagres
  Vila do Bispo
  Faro, Portugal 8650
  +351-282-642-873