ARCHITECTURAL STYLES IN PORTUGAL

Although Portuguese architecture is said to have commenced with the start of the monarchy, there was already a scattering of ancient buildings in existence.
These include the Visigoth temple of Balsemão, the Mozarab church of Lourosa (built in 912), the basilica of Santo Amaro at Beja and the church of São Frutuoso near Braga, the purest specimen of Byzantine architecture in the Iberian Peninsular.
The finest Roman building is without doubt the Temple of Diana (2-3 AD) at Évora, a historic town situated in the heart of the Alentejo.
The Romanesque style, which appeared in Portugal during the second half of the 11th century, was introduced by the Cluniac monks. Most evident in the cathedrals of Braga, Oporto, Lamego and Coimbra (particularly Sé Velha), it remained en vogue until the early 13th century.
The essence of Gothic architecture was introduced by the Cistercians later that century. Typified by a Latin cross, vast naves with high vaulting and side walls lit by large windows with precious stained glass, the best examples can be seen in the monasteries at Alcobaça and Batalha, in the heart of the Tagus Valley tourist region.
Appearing towards the end of the 15th century, the characteristic Manueline style coincided with Portugal's colonial discoveries and conquests. The maritime influence was brought in by Francisco de Arruda, builder of the famous fortified tower in Belém, who popularised the use of knotted cables, chains, anchors, sails and coral as a form of cathedral decoration. Some of the most striking examples of Manueline architecture are at Tomar, the Unfinished Chapels at Batalha and the great church and cloister of Jerónimos Monastery in Belém.
Renaissance flair was introduced into the country by French architects in 1517, coming from Italy. Good examples can be seen in the cathedrals of Leiria and Portalegre, the Jesuit college at Évora and the church of São Roque in the Bairro Alto district of Lisbon. The Baroque style became predominant throughout Portugal from the 15th century onwards. The convent of Mafra is considered the best example of this, with its imposing Baroque dome and magnificent 88-metre-long library.