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Construction began in 1502, to commemorate Vasco da Gama’s successful trip to India, and continued, with periodic interruptions, for nearly 70 years. It was built in Gothic style with some Renaissance features, and both Manueline and Plateresque (Spanish) stonework adornments. It survived the Great Earthquake of 1755, but when religious orders were abolished in the 1800s, it began to deteriorate. Fortunately, it was saved from destruction, was given expanded historico-cultural roles in the 1900s, and was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. It is generally considered to be the finest example of Manueline architecture.
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Western Europe
