Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ManuelI,theFortunate(r.1495-1521)
—Promoter of Vasco da Gama's explorations
that made Portugal wealthy. Manueline, the decorative art style of that time, is named
for him.
LuísdeCamões(1524-1580)
—Swashbuckling adventurer and poet who captured the
heroism of Vasco da Gama in his epic poem, “The Lusiads.”
Marquês de Pombal (1699-1782)
—Controversial prime minister who tried to mod-
ernize backward Portugal and who rebuilt Lisbon after the 1755 quake.
JoséI,theReformer(r.1750-1777)
—Disinterested king who effectively turned over
control of Portugal to the Marquês de Pombal.
Fernando Pessoa (1888-1935)
—Foremost Portuguese Modernist poet, immortalized
in sculpture outside his favorite Lisbon café.
AntónioSalazar(1889-1970)
—“Portugal's Franco,” a dictator who led for four dec-
ades, slowly modernizing while preserving rule by the traditional upper classes.
Typical Church Architecture
History comes to life when you visit a centuries-old church. Even if you wouldn't
know your apse from a hole in the ground, learning a few simple terms will enrich
your experience. Note that not every church has every feature, and a “cathedral” isn't
a type of church architecture, but rather a designation for a church that's a governing
center for a local bishop.
Aisles:
The long, generally low-ceilinged arcades that flank the nave.
Altar:
The raised area with a ceremonial table (often adorned with candles or a cruci-
fix), where the priest prepares and serves the bread and wine for Communion.
Apse:
The space beyond the altar, generally bordered with small chapels.
Barrel Vault:
A continuous round-arched ceiling that resembles an extended upside-
down U.
Choir:
A cozy area, often screened off, located within the church nave and near the
high altar, where services are sung in a more intimate setting.
Cloister:
An open-air, usually square courtyard surrounded by covered walkways, tra-
ditionally where monks and nuns got fresh air.
Facade:
The exterior surface of the church's main (west) entrance, generally highly
decorated.
