Hieronymite Convent, Lisbon Mosteiro dos Jerónimos

The south side of the Igreja de Santa Maria (facing the Tagus, in the eastern part of the complex) is characterized by the richly decorated Manueline south portal. Both the portal and the filigree style balustrade, which forms the upper border, lessen the strong impression of the actually very compact facade. The octagonal cupola tower above the west portal also appears rather light due to the embellishments and the continuation of the eight corner pillars into little pointed towers. The cupola dates from the 19th C., before this the tower had a somewhat lower helm roof. The Manueline window decorations appear clear and less eroded. Considerably less decorative, however, is the external wall of the main chancel at the eastern end, which was only added in the second half of the 16th C.The south portal is the work of the architect Joao de Castilho, who also created the portal of the Igreja de Conceiçao Velha, which escaped the earthquake undamaged. Above the edge of the roof two projecting buttresses flank the portal. The central axis is interrupted by a window above both entrances. Two lions are depicted between the doors - they act as reminders of the heraldic animal of St Jeronimus. Above them Henry the Navigator can be seen portrayed as a stylized figure. In front of the window, at the true end of the archway, stands a figure of Mary, at the top beneath the main baldachin with the Cross of the Knights of Christ an angel holds the royal coat of arms. The reliefs above the two doors portray scenes from the life of St Jeronimus. A total of 25 figures have been erected between piers and pillars and below decorated baldachin, including the twelve apostles, kings and queens and bishops.The less impressive west portal is the work of the Frenchman Nicolas Chanterène. Depicted to the left next to the door are the founder of the convent complex, Manuel I, on his knees, and his patron saint, St Jeronimus. Opposite on the right is Maria of Castille, Manuel's second wife, and her patron saint, John the Baptist. Scenes from Bethlehem (Belém) can be seen in the tympanum: the birth of Christ - including two angels carrying the Portuguese coat of arms - and the adoration of the shepherds.The conscious synthesis of worldly rule and representation of Godly power stands out in the decoration of the south and west portals.