Culture of Portugal - Architecture

Architecture

Since the second millennium BC, there has been important construction in the area where Portugal is situated today. Portugal boasts several scores of medieval castles, as well as the ruins of several villas and forts from the period of Roman occupation. Modern Portuguese architecture follow the most advanced trends seen in European mainstream architecture with no constraints, though preserving some of its singular characteristics. The azulejo and the Portuguese pavement are two typical elements of Portuguese-style architecture. Portugal is perhaps best known for its distinctive Manueline architecture with its rich, intricate designs attributed to Portugal's Age of Discoveries. Another type of architecture is Baroque Johanine. It has this name because it was developed during the reign of King John V, which lasted 44 years. Thanks to the gold of Brazil, hired foreign artists, such Nicolao Nasoni, King John V, ordered to perform various works of art. The creations of Portuguese artists can be seen on the altars of gilded panels and tiles, blue and white, that adorn churches, halls, staircases and gardens. During this period were built in Portugal in the great works of art which are: Library of the Convent and Convent of Mafra, the Tower of the Clerics, the Baroque Library, the Church and stairs of Bom Jesus de Braga, the Shrine of Our Lady of Remedies in Lamego, the Palace and the Port of Ash Solar de Mateus in Vila Real.