One of the publication's objectives is to portray architecture as a living record and its positive contribution towards transnational identity. This idea is explored through the church of "Our Lady of the Gate of Heaven", Telheiras in the suburbs of Lisbon that spans over four hundred years. This church is historically unique about the political and religio-cultural affairs of Sri Lanka and Portugal during the Portuguese overseas expansions of the 16th and 17th centuries. It goes down in history as the only building erected overseas by a Sri Lankan royal family member. It was built initially by Dom Joao of the Kandyan Kingdom, known as the Black Prince in historical chronicles. An attempt has been made to document all available evidence for the benefit of future research and also for archival purposes. It is the first time formal documentation, including a set of measured drawings, has been made on the architectural style of the church.