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Interior of the Porta Especiosa c.1530 by the Norman sculptor (Jean de Rouen) João de Ruão and Nicolau de Chanterene. Inspired by Italian Renaissance models. It is an innovative architecture for Portugal, a monumental facade pioneered by the Portuguese Renaissance, inspired by the Arches of Triunfais. Considered as the transposition to stone of an ephemeral portico erected when King João III entered Coimbra. Highlight for the beautiful medallion of Our Lady with the Child on her lap (outside). Its name derives from the medieval antiphon “Speciosa Maria est” that was sung at the entrance of this portal. The main theme is the Annunciation of the Virgin. Nicolau Chanterene had created the portico of the monastery of Santa Cruz in 1522-25 but influenced by Manueline.
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