Portal_sul







1- SOUTH PORTAL


This was built between 1517 and 1518 by João de Castilho and his craftsmen from a design by Diogo de Boitaca, and is the centrepiece of the Monastery's façade facing the Tagus river.

In spite of its magnificence, this is only a side entrance.














 









See plan of first floor


 
The central figure of this entrance is Nossa Senhora de Belém (Our Lady of Belém), to whom the Church and the Monastery are dedicated. Alongside the Virgin is a collection of statues representing the Prophets, the Apostles, Doctors of the Church and Virgin Saints (or perhaps seers).

Nossa_Sra_Belem Sao_Jeronimo Arcanjo_S_Miguel
Nossa Senhora de Belém (Our Lady of Belém),
by João de Castilho, 1517
St. Jerome,
by João de Castilho, 1517
Archangel St. Michael,
by João de Castilho, 1517

Scenes from the life of St. Jerome are represented in the space around the arch of the doorway. Below, between the twin doors of the Church is a statue of Prince Henry the Navigator. Dominating them all from above is the Archangel St. Michael.




 



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