Window of the Chapterhouse at Convento de Cristo
The Convento de Cristo is a veritable feast for the architectural senses. While I don’t really much detail about architectural styles, I think I know good design when I see one. And while the convento de Cristo may not be that complete a feast, it surely comes very close to one. The church is arguably the centerpiece of the entire complex with other parts of the complex added in afterwards. What can be forgotten here is that the Convento de Cristo was also the headquarters of the template knights. This requires a place for them to meet and do stuff. This is the chapterhouse. Architecturally, it was difficult for me to tell one part from the other especially with the designs quite similar to each other.
Chapterhouse at the Convento de Cristo
The chapterhouse it noted to have one of the best examples of Manueline design and that it the Window of the Chapter House. While it maybe strange to hear that only the window is the best example of Manueline design, it needs to be seen to believe. What can be seen is what happens if a Manueline artist get free reign over what they produce. The window is an exquisite carving of rope, plants and coral combining to produce something totally distinct from any other design style. Even the screen of the window is made of stone, proving the genius of the artist. There are other rope motifs which a connected to the window but it is easy to see why this is one of the most photographed sites in Convento de Cristo.
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