Cloister, detail of the parapet

Due to its significance and symbolism, today the Cloister is one of the most important examples of Manueline architecture. With two storeys, vaulted ceilings and quadrangular layout its decoration showcases the originality of this style. The Cloister combines religious symbols (images from the Passion, amongst others), royal imagery (the Cross of the Order of Christ, the armillary sphere, the royal coat of arms) and naturalist elements (ropes and plant-inspired motifs that cohabit with late Mediaeval imagery of fantastic animals).