Inside the Church of Santa Maria at Jerónimos Monastery
The Jerónimos Monastery has a church which is one of the most ornate that I have seen in a while. The Manueline architecture is in full display here but only if you can see it. Upon entry into the church you would be greeted by a very high vaulted ceiling which is criss crossed by star patterns. Surprisngly, there wasn’t too many pillars here which give the impression that the roof is the sky because it was that high. The massive hall is a feast for the eyes, visitors would be rewarded by inspecting every corner of this church.
Stained Glass Windows at the Church of Santa Maria at Jerónimos Monastery
The church is not without pillars though, there are built nearer the entrance of the church. These pillars are richly decorated with various motifs. These motifs continue all the way to the top of the pillar where people can’t really see them anymore. Towards the main hall of the church, there are no pillars giving the appearance of wide open space. It certainly is impressive to look at. I imagine it would be a very solemn place to attend church services. The size of the place probably helps to isolate you from the rest of the world. Perhaps, that is also part of the intention of the builders.
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