Along the shores of the Tagus there are other examples of art dating to the reign of King Manuel I. In the Museum of Ancient Art for instance, there is the priceless Custodial of Belém. It is a miniature representation of the south entranceway into the Jerónimos Monastery. Pay close attention to the fine details. On the base, an inscription reads ‘His most gracious prince and all-powerful master King Manuel I ordered this to be made in the gold from the beaches of Quiloa’.

Near to the broad Terreiro do Paço square, home to the king, visit the Church of Misericórdia. The doorway is similar to the main entrance of the Church of Jerónimos - both were made by the artist Boytac.

Wander past a strange residence with a façade covered with stone points. Following the construction of similar buildings in Italy (such as the Palace of Diamonds in Ferrara), this house was built on the orders of the son of Afonso de Albuquerque, viceroy of India, by Francisco de Arruda, also responsible for the Tower of Belém.

Also by the river, visit the Convent of Madre de Deus founded by Leonor, sister to King Manuel I, who retired here. The entrance was later rebuilt based on a 16th century tablet depiction. When you’ve visited these architectural highlights you might want to go and explore the rest of the city because it boasts many more!