This magnificent 16C Hieronymite monastery was built in 1502 and is a glorious result of the great discoveries of the period. Vasco de Gama had returned from India with his vessels laden with riches, thus enabling the architects to embark on a very ambitious project. Initially constructed to a Gothic design, it subsequently subscribed to various interpretations of the Manueline style. The buildings added in the 19C detract slightly from the overall effect of this Unesco World Heritage site.