The Jerónimos Monastery of Lisbon

One of the must-see stops among the attractions in Lisbon is the Jerónimos Monastery.

This monument, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1983, is the most important building of Manueline architecture and is one of the top sights of the Belém district, one of Lisbon’s main neighborhoods.

History of the Jerónimos Monastery

 

The Jerónimos Monastery is one of the most representative monuments of the so-called “Age of Discoveries” in Portugal, alongside the Belém Tower. Its construction was commissioned in 1501 by King Manuel I of Portugal in tribute to Vasco da Gama and his triumphant expedition to India.

It was built on the site of an ancient hermitage founded by Henry the Navigator, and although most of the work was completed in the 16th century, some sections of the building, such as the bell tower, were not finished until the 19th century.

This monastery is among the most famous buildings in Portugal, particularly due to the exuberance of its Manueline style, which developed during the reign of Manuel I. This style is a blend of Gothic, Mudéjar, and influences from the Italian Renaissance, symbolizing the great power held by the Kingdom of Portugal at that time.

What to See in the Jerónimos Monastery

The Church of the Jerónimos Monastery

 

A fundamental part of the monastery is the Jerónimos church, with its façade over 300 meters long. The church has two impressive doors. The Noon Portal is parallel to the Tagus River and is clearly of Manueline style.

Then there is the Main Door, featuring six carved columns supporting a massive ribbed vault. Additionally, inside the church, you will find a mausoleum supported by elephants and various religious paintings.

The Cloister

 

This is the most impressive section of the entire building. Its decoration clearly commemorates the glorious era of Portuguese navigators.

In the cloister, you can find the tomb of Vasco da Gama, the poet Luís de Camões, as well as the poet Fernando Pessoa and several Portuguese monarchs such as Manuel I and his family. In 2007, the Lisbon Treaty, a fundamental agreement of the European Union, was signed in this location.

National Archaeological Museum of Lisbon

This archaeology museum is one of the interesting places to visit in Lisbon, occupying one of the sections of the monastery and housing the largest archaeological collection in all of Portugal.

Visiting the Jerónimos Monastery in Belém

From central Lisbon, the easiest way is to take tram 15E or 18E. You can also use buses 201, 727, 728, 729, 751, or buy a Lisbon tourist bus pass, which will take you to the monastery and has 12 more stops at the city’s most important points.

From the Belém Tower, reaching the monastery on foot is very simple; it takes less than 20 minutes, and the journey is quite beautiful along Avenida da Índia.

Address: Praça do Império 1400-206 Lisbon, Portugal

Price

• Adult admission: €10

• Admission for seniors over 65: €5

• Children under 12: Free

• Sundays and holidays: Free for residents of Portugal

 

Hours

• From April to October: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

• From May to September: 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM

• Closed on January 1, Easter Sunday, May 1, June 13, and December 25

What to See in Belém

If you are still not convinced about the idea of taking a half-day tour of Lisbon and Belém, let us tell you that it includes transportation and an English guide to the best places in central Lisbon.

You will see places like Commerce Square, Rossio, and the Alfama neighborhood, as well as stop at the Jerónimos Monastery and the most important places in Belém, such as the Belém Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries. You will also enjoy entry to the National Coach Museum and the beautiful views offered by the Tagus River.

Belém Tower

 

This ancient fortress was built on the Tagus River to protect Lisbon from any naval forces attempting to attack. Today, it is one of the most visited monuments in Portugal and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Monument to the Discoveries

 

This construction pays tribute to all the men who participated in Portugal’s maritime explorations. It is located along the banks of the Tagus River, on Avenida Brasília, and illustrates a caravel ready to set sail.

Pastéis de Belém

 

Very close to the Jerónimos Monastery is the bakery that sells the original and unique pastéis de Belém. We emphasize the words original and unique because everywhere else sells imitations. Buy them at Rua de Belém, 84.