The Jeronimos Monastery and the Tower of Belem, located in Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, are historical buildings that convey the glory of the Age of Discovery to the present day. These buildings, built in the 15th and 16th centuries, were registered as a World Heritage Site in 1983 as a symbol of the pride, faith, and artistic refinement of Portugal, which flourished as a maritime empire. This place, where stories of voyages carved into stone and the intricate decorative beauty of the Manueline style come together, is full of charm and can be said to be the crossroads of world history and architecture.
In this article, we will take a closer look at its historical background, architectural style, and cultural significance.
Jeronimos Monastery and the Tower of Belem
Basic information about Jerónimos Monastery and Tower of Belém
The Jeronimos Monastery and the Tower of Belem are located in Lisbon, the capital of Portugal.A symbol of the glory that Portugal achieved during the Age of DiscoveryIt was registered as a World Heritage Site in 1983 under the name "The Jerónimos Monastery and the Tower of Belém in Lisbon". Construction of the Jerónimos Monastery began in the early 16th century, and was built by order of King Manuel I of Portugal to commemorate the achievements of Prince Henry the Navigator. Meanwhile, the Tower of Belém, standing at the mouth of the Tagus River, was built between 1514 and 1520 as a defensive structure to protect the port of Lisbon.
Both buildings areA masterpiece of the Manueline style (Portugal's unique Late Gothic architecture)They are highly regarded as important historical and cultural assets, and are characterised by their intricate stonework and intricate decoration, rich in maritime motifs. They are more than just architectural structures, they are a heritage that embodies Portugal's history, culture, art and global maritime spirit.
Lisbon's historical context as a maritime city
From the 15th to the 16th century,Lisbon rapidly developed as the centre of Portugal's maritime empire.Explorers such as Vasco da Gama used this place as a starting point for their voyages to the Indian Ocean, the coast of Africa, and even South America, expanding trade networks with the world. The Jerónimos Monastery was built as a place to pray for the success of these voyages and to give thanks to God.
On the other hand, the Tower of Belem was a military point, and also a landmark for ships entering Lisbon, making it a symbolic gateway to the maritime nation of Portugal. These two structures continue to imprint in the Lisbon landscape the memory of the time when Portugal made its mark in history as a "country that connects the world."
Historical background and cultural significance of the Jerónimos Monastery and the Tower of Belém
Portugal was a pioneer of the Age of Discovery
From the 15th to the 16th century, Portugal, as a pioneer of the Age of Discovery, actively engaged in maritime exploration and colonization. In particular, Vasco da Gama's discovery of the sea route to India was a major turning point that pushed Portugal to become a global maritime empire. In this historical context, Lisbon rapidly prospered as a base for international trade, and the construction of buildings symbolizing Portugal's prestige as a maritime nation and its religious faith was promoted.
The Jerónimos Monastery and the Tower of Belém are symbolic of this. These structures are concrete expressions of the wealth and glory brought by Portugal's maritime expansion, as well as the nation's faith and spirit of prayer for navigators, and they strongly reflect the political and religious intentions of the time.
The Jerónimos Monastery was built to pray for Vasco da Gama's voyage.
Construction of the Jerónimos Monastery began in 1501 by order of King Manuel I of Portugal. The monastery was built to commemorate the successful voyage of Vasco da Gama and to pray for the safety of his voyages, and was managed by monks of the Order of St. Jerome. The construction was funded by the profits from the newly gained spice trade, and the monastery was decorated with intricate carvings and decorations as a symbol of wealth. The monastery also served as a royal burial place and established itself as the spiritual center of the nation.
On the other hand, the Tower of Belem was started in 1514 as a military facility to strengthen the defense of the Tagus River and was completed in 1520. Located at the entrance to Lisbon Port, it served as a fortress to monitor and defend against enemy invasions, and also functioned as a symbolic place where sailors passed when departing and returning from the port. Today, due to its architectural beauty and historical significance, it is one of the most representative landmarks of Lisbon.
Architectural and artistic value of the Jerónimos Monastery and the Tower of Belém
Both are masterpieces of the Manueline style.
Both the Jerónimos Monastery and the Tower of Belém are masterpieces that represent the Manueline style, a uniquely Portuguese architectural style. The Manueline style is a highly decorative style that is based on Gothic architecture but also incorporates elements of Renaissance, Mudejar, and even Islamic architecture. This style is also a symbol of the Age of Discovery, and is characterized by the use of many motifs that visually represent navigation, exploration, and wealth.
The exterior walls and pillars of the building are intricately carved with sea-related designs such as ropes, anchors, shells, and seaweed, giving the impression that Portugal at that time was a country that lived hand in hand with the sea. In addition, the royal coat of arms, crosses, and plant motifs are often used, and religious and royal symbols are expressed in artistic form. These decorations are not simply aesthetic, but also function as a visual language that conveys national pride and spirituality.
Differences in decoration and structure between monasteries and towers
Although the Jerónimos Monastery and the Tower of Belém were built in the same period and style, they have different architectural features according to their purpose and structure.
The monastery was designed as a religious facility, with a vast cloister, chapels, and royal tombs, creating a solemn and tranquil space. The two-story cloister surrounding the courtyard is particularly decorated in the Manueline style, and the beauty of the architecture stands out in the contrast of light and shadow. Each pillar is carved differently, and craftsmanship is condensed into the smallest details.
On the other hand, the Tower of Belém emphasizes its practicality as a fortress, but its exterior is highly decorative. The tower's balconies and watchtowers are decorated with characteristic Manueline style decorations, and it shows the pursuit of artistic beauty while still being a practical building. In particular, the arches and stone fretwork that show the influence of Islamic architecture, as well as the structure that juts out into the sea, accentuate the tower's architectural beauty.
Evaluation points for World Heritage registration
Details of registration criteria (iii) and (vi) and reasons for their evaluation
The Jerónimos Monastery and the Tower of Belém were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1983, based mainly on criteria (iii) and (vi).
Criterion (iii) states that these buildingsValued as a physical testament to Portugal's Golden AgeThe Jerónimos Monastery and the Tower of Belém are a testament to the spirit of the Age of Discovery, when Portugal flourished as a global maritime power in the 15th and 16th centuries, and embody the religious faith, royal dignity and national pride of that time. They are outstanding examples of the essence of national and cultural identity and occupy an important place in the cultural history of humanity.
Criterion (vi) evaluates direct links to historical events such as exploration and discovery during the Age of Discovery. The Jerónimos Monastery, built to commemorate the successful voyage of Vasco da Gama, and the Tower of Belém, which watched over the comings and goings of ships, are examples of such monuments.A monument symbolizing the beginning of global cultural and scientific exchangeThey are deeply connected to epoch-making periods in human history and are recognised internationally as monuments of great cultural significance.
reference:"Monastery of the Hieronymites and Tower of Belém in Lisbon(UNESCO)
The significance of cultural heritage that combines architecture and history
The Jerónimos Monastery and the Tower of Belém are not just beautiful buildings, but symbolic heritage that crystallize the history and spirit of Portugal. They are places of worship for navigators who supported the prosperity of the Age of Discovery, fortresses that protected Lisbon, and buildings that embody national pride. All of these are valued as the result of a fusion of Portugal's cultural background and architectural techniques.
In particular, the rich decorative expression of the Manueline style plays a role in imprinting history and stories into the architecture itself, leaving a strong impression on visitors of the atmosphere of the time. In this way, the close link between architectural value and historical background has led to the building's high acclaim as a World Heritage Site.
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What did you think?
As a place symbolizing the turning point for mankind during the Age of Discovery, it feels as if Portugal's pride, faith, and spirit of adventure are carved into the stone, and you will be overwhelmed by the weight of the passage of time and the grandeur of human activity.
If you visit Lisbon, this is a must-see place.
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