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| Portal decoration with portraits of royalty inside the circles |
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| Portrait inside a portal decoration |
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| 'Drop down' lacy adornment over portal doors with elaborate carvings above |
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| Sea monsters, triton and bird decoration detail |
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| Twisted Volcanic stone columns with marble corinthian top, note wave patterns on adjoining wall |
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| Figs tied up with stone cord |
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| Twisted rope column with pomegranate, note geometric rope design to left |
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| Altar in cathedral, note coverage with stone carvings of entire arch |
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| Three columns and detail of flowers, grapes and vines with rope like decoration to left |
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| Composition of black and white architectural elements on decorated facade |
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| Black and white combination on Ponta Delgada city gate |
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| Black and white on church bell tower |
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| Doorway docorated with elaborate carvings |
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| Row of three windows enhanced with black carved stone lattice work |
Manueline Architecture in Portugal
Typically Portuguese, a late version of European Gothic. It is much more elaborate, using motifs from plant and animal life as well as marine related inspirations. Ropes, knots, sea creatures appear in stone carvings. Chapel vaults with gothic domes have additional ribs amongst the stark gothic design. Pomegranates form end pieces in 'drop-down' stone lace work over doors. Columns are twisted instead of plain or ribbed. Garlands of vines and grapes are superimposed over twisted columns. Windows and doors are decorated with black carved stone frames of fantastic design. Overall quite distinct and specific to Portugal and it's islands in the Atlantic.
The almost overload of decoration and elaboration reminds one of the most intricate and over-the-top baroque architecture, where there is hardly an inch of surface left plain and unadorned.
Quite intriguing, if one spends some time not just taking in the overall impression of a building or portal, but takes a closer leisurely look at the surprising detail of the stone carvings.
