Manueline ( Estilo Manuelino ), also known as Portuguese Late Gothic ( Gótico Português Tardio ), is an architectural aesthetic that originated in Portugal during the reign of King Manuel I (1495-1521). Although its roots can be traced back to the reign of King John II, it mainly flourished during the Portuguese Renaissance and the Age of Discoveries. It marked the transition from Gothic to the Renaissance.

This style is characterized by its intricate ornamentation, incorporating nautical motifs, symbols of royal power, and organic forms. It draws inspiration from French Late Gothic Flamboyant architecture, as well as elements of Mudéjar and Renaissance styles.

The term "Manueline" was retrospectively coined by Brazilian art historian Francisco Adolfo de Varnhagen in his 1842 work, " Notícia Histórica e Descriptiva do Mosteiro de Belém ".

Manueline architecture emerged in Portugal during the late 15th and early 16th centuries, coinciding with the reign of King Manuel I and the country's maritime expansion. It is characterized by its elaborate ornamentation, which often includes maritime motifs such as shells, ropes, and anchors, reflecting Portugal's voyages of discovery. Christian and heraldic symbols, like armillary spheres (a navigational instrument and symbol of the cosmos), are also common features. Large arches and twisted frames symbolized the era's prosperity and exploration. Lisbon was the first city to exhibit this distinct style, which blended Gothic and Renaissance elements with Moorish influences.

The Monastery of Batalha exemplifies the transition from Gothic to Manueline architecture. While primarily Gothic, later additions by architect Mateus Fernandes in the late 15th and early 16th centuries introduced Manueline features to the Royal Cloister and Unfinished Chapels. Fernandes' work is notable for its integration of natural elements like plants, flowers, and fruits into the architectural structure, giving them a dynamic, almost sculptural quality. He maintained the geometric rigor of the existing Gothic style while introducing complex arches and intersecting planes.

Manueline architecture often features large, elaborate windows, showcasing the style's intricate tracery and ornamentation. A prime example is the famous window at the Convent of Christ in Tomar, which features astrological and symbolic motifs. It is distinct from the Renaissance's classicism, offering an ornamental flourish to Gothic structures. Examples include the Jerónimos Monastery and Torre de Belém in Lisbon, both of which feature prominently in Lisbon's cityscape.

Though short-lived (1490-1520), the Manueline style's influence extended beyond King Manuel I's reign and spread throughout the Portuguese Empire, reaching the Azores, Madeira, North Africa, Brazil, Goa, and Macau. It also appeared in parts of Spain and former Spanish colonies.

Manueline architecture is defined by its complex ornamentation, particularly on portals, windows, columns, and arcades. These intricate decorations often feature nautical elements like armillary spheres, anchors, and ropes, symbolizing Portugal's maritime explorations. Marine motifs, such as shells, pearls, and seaweed, are also common, along with botanical elements like laurel branches, oak leaves, and acorns.

Christian symbolism, especially the Cross of the Order of Christ , features prominently in Manueline architecture, reflecting the importance of religion in Portuguese society and its voyages of discovery. The style also incorporates elements from newly discovered territories, such as Islamic filigree and Indian architectural motifs.

Large arches and twisted frames are characteristic features, framing cornices, facades, and vaults. Manueline architecture often incorporates natural elements into the structural forms, blurring the lines between architecture and sculpture. This is evident in the works of Mateus Fernandes at the Monastery of Batalha, where plants, flowers, and fruits are integrated into the building's fabric.

While highly ornamental, Manueline architecture retains a connection to traditional Gothic architecture, particularly in its geometric rigor and use of complex vaulting systems. However, it departs from the classicism of the Renaissance, combining tradition with innovation. This is exemplified by the contrast between the elaborate doorway and the higher parts of the Unfinished Chapels at Batalha.

Neo-Manueline is an architectural revival style that emerged in Portugal approximately during the 1940s-1960s inspired by the 16th-century Manueline style. Manueline is frequently perceived as one of the most authentic styles of Portuguese architecture, which contributes to its appeal. The revival of the Manueline style coincided with the Gothic Revival architectural movement in Europe.

Early examples of Neo-Manueline include Pena Palace in Sintra and renovations in the Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower in Lisbon. Other notable Neo-Manueline buildings in Portugal include Rossio Railway Station, the Palace Hotel of Bussaco, Sintra Town Hall, the Counts of Castro Guimarães Palace in Cascais, and Quinta da Regaleira in Sintra.

The style can also be seen in other former territories of the Portuguese Empire. In Brazil, notable examples include the Real Gabinete Português de Leitura (Royal Portuguese Library) in Rio de Janeiro, the Portuguese Center in Santos, and the Portuguese Library of Bahia. There are also some Neo-Manueline structures in Africa and Asia, most notably Mozambique. There are a few Neo-Manueline buildings located in countries with no historical ties to Portugal, like Russia, exemplified by the Arseny Morozov House in Moscow.

This is a comprehensive list of significant Manueline works accross Portugal and internationally.

Northern Portugal:

Central Portugal:

Southern Portugal:

Autonomous Regions:

Morocco:

Cape Verde:

Mozambique:

India:

Oman:

Iran:

Bahrain:

Spain:

Mexico: