The Architecture of Portugal

This is a view from the Castle of St. George in Lisbon to the Monastery of Sao Vicente de Fora, or St. Vincent outside the Walls.  It was built in the 17th Century.  The Castle of St. George offers commanding views of Lisbon in all directions.   It was originally constructed as a Moorish fort in 1147.

We loved the use of tile as a building material in Portugal.  In this photo, the patterns and colors of the tiles decorate a house in Lisbon.

This is a view across the Alfama district to the Monastery of San Vicente de Fora.   Adjacent to the monastery is he pantheon where most of the Portuguese Kings and Queens are interned.  The Alfama district is an old, but charming section of the city.  As its name suggests, it dates to Moorish days.

This is another example of the use of tile for the exterior of buildings.  One of the houses on this narrow street was undergoing renovation, so they had a dumpster out front.

This is part of the Monastery of St. Jerome, or Mosteiro dos Jeronimos.  It was constructed beginning in 1501 during the Age of Discovery in which Portuguese explorers were so prominent.  Vasco de Gama is interned inside.