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JERONIMOS MONASTERY . .....I must confess, living in Europe has somewhat dulled my senses to castles, cathedrals and monasteries. You can only see so many before they start to blend together and blur in the memory. However, nothing prepared me for the Jeronimos Monastery. This UNESCO World Heritage site is well worth a visit, no matter how dulled you think your senses might be.

MARTIN

It was started in 1502 by King Manuel I. The Monastery is referred to as the "jewel" of Manueline architecture, a term I never heard of but I'm sure the king liked it. The style draws together architectural elements of the late Gothic and Renaissance periods and associates them with the symbols of the king, Christianity and the natural world. And even in its day, it cost a bundle. But, Portugal was rich with profits from the spice trade with Africa and India. Therefore, a pepper tax paid for a large chunk of the work.

MARTIN

Copyright 2011 by Phillip Martin All rights reserved.