In architecture, manueline is the sumptuous, composite Portuguese style of architectural ornamentation of the early 16th century, incorporating maritime elements and discoveries brought from the voyages of Vasco da Gama and Pedro Álvares Cabral. The style synthesizes aspects of gothic architecture with Spanish, Italian, and Flemish elements. The style was named after King Manuel I of Portugal (reigned from 1495 to 1521).
The Chapter House of the Convent of Christ at Tomar, Portugal (early 16th century), with its large-scale windows surrounded with sculptured organic and twisted rope forms, is the major monument of the manueline style. Other major manueline monuments include the Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon.
Most original Manueline architecture in Portugal was lost in the 1755 Lisbon earthquake and subsequent tsunami.
The style was extended to the decorative arts and spread throughout the Portuguese Empire, Spain, Mexico, and India.
