Around Portugal, a riot of many architectural types may be found. Naturally, there are many structures covered with azulejos, but there are also fascinating specimens of the Manueline style, which is exclusive to Portugal, as well as daring modern architecture.

GLITZY GOTHIC

In the Middle Ages, several churches and palaces were constructed in the Gothic style. The Palácio Nacional de Sintra, the oldest still-standing palace in Portugal, was built by Joo I in the late 14th century. Despite having a fairly straightforward exterior, the palace’s two recognizable conical chimneys demonstrate that its construction is anything but straightforward. Visit the Mosteiro de Alcobaça or the fortress in Bragança to discover further Gothic treasures.

MAFRAART DECO GEMS

The Estado Novo was controlled by Art Deco . Lisbon is replete with striking, early-20th-century designs, from train stations like Cais do Sodré to the A Brasileira café. Portugal’s most renowned Art Deco home serves as a portion of the historic Fundaço de Serralves in Porto (Rua Dom Joo de Castro 210; www.serralves.pt). For a deeper understanding of this intriguing national monument, go on a visit with an architect or artist.

MANUELINE MARVELS

The 16th-century Mosteiro dos Jerónimos is a riot of nautically inspired masonry, featuring ropes and anchors, and was primarily supported by the spice and gold trade. The cloisters at this location as well as the Torre de Belém were constructed by Joo de Castilho (1470–1552) and Diogo de Boitaca (1460–1528), who invented the style.

BAROQUE GIANTS

The enormous Palácio de Mafra, designed by Joo Frederico Ludovice (1673-1752), is Portugal’s outstanding example of the extravagant Baroque style, with a 200-m (656-ft) long façade and around 156 stairs within. Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni (1691-1773), who created the Torre, Igreja dos Clérigos, and Paço Episcopal, lived in Porto, to the north.

MODERN ART

Paula Rego (born 1935), the most well-known modern artist from Portugal, has a highly distinctive aesthetic. Her paintings tackle the issues of repression, feminism, and politics by featuring muscular women, characters from fairy tales, and animals dressed in clothing. The stunning pyramidal edifice, Casa das Histórias in Cascais , which was created by architect Eduardo Souto de Moura, has revolving exhibits of her art (b 1952). Visit the Museu Calouste Gulbenkian for contemporary and modern art that is more up to date.