King Manuel I of Portugal, also known as Manuel the Fortunate, reigned from 1495 to 1521. He is best known for his role in the Age of Discovery, during which Portugal expanded its maritime empire. His reign saw the establishment of trade routes to India and the discovery of Brazil, significantly boosting the Portuguese economy. Manuel I was a patron of the arts and architecture, leading to the development of the Manueline style, a unique form of late Gothic architecture. He also oversaw the construction of notable structures, including the Jerónimos Monastery and the Belém Tower in Lisbon.