(1470–1552), also known as Juan de Castillo, was a Castilian and a famous Iberian architect born in Castillo Siete Villas, actually Arnuero (Cantabria). He is recognized as one of the leading architects in Portuguese history (where he developed much of his work), responsible for several World Heritage buildings. He was a Spanish-Portuguese master architect and builder of Cantabrian origin (Old Kingdom of Castile; present-day Spain) who developed his adult career in Portugal , where he settled in 1508. He is considered the greatest Portuguese architect of the 16th century and one of the greatest architects in Renaissance Europe. Author of enormous and remarkable building blocks, João de Castilho was involved in the construction of five UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic sites, two major highlights being the Jerónimos Monastery and Christ Monastery. Among the many other works for which he was responsible, he also contributed to Alcobaça Monastery, Batalha Monastery and Fort Mazagão (El Jadida), also listed as a World Heritage Site.
