Jerónimos Monastery, Lisbon
<p>Portugal, specifically the king and his family, were growing unbelievably wealthy in the early 1500’s thanks to a tax on imported goods from India and other parts of Asia that were entering the country via exploration, trade, and, it should be noted, exploitation of India and other Portuguese colonies.</p>
<p>King Manuel I wanted an elaborate symbol of his wealth as well as a final resting place for himself and his family worthy of his status, so he ordered the construction of the Jerónimos Monastery which began in 1501.</p>
<p>The fanciful structure was built in the Late Gothic style known as Manueline. Hieronymite monks lived in the monastery and their job was to pray for the king as well as the sailors risking their lives on missions for the crown.</p>
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