Monastery of the Jeronimos
The Best of Lisbon
World Heritage Site
Another grandiose architectural monument of the Portuguese capital, the
Monastery of Santa Maria de Belém
better known as
Mosteiro dos Jerônimos was built by D. Manuel I and the works, started
in 1501, they lasted a century.
Time of Discovery
Its construction was funded, in part, with funds from taxes on trade with the East. It is the most
famous architectural monument of
Manueline style in Portugal; inside
rest the mortal remains of
Luís de Camões and
Vasco da Gama, among others
famous personalities.
Monastery of the Jerônimos © Jose Manuel / Images Of Portugal
Most visited monument in Portugal
"The
Royal Monastery of Santa Maria de Belém, commonly known as
Mosteiro dos Jerónimos,
as it was destined for the
Order of São Jerónimo, it is a masterpiece of Portuguese architecture.
Classified as a National Monument in 1907 and inscribed
on the UNESCO
World Heritage List in 1983, is bound by the State Protocol. The church, seat of
Parish of Santa Maria de Belém, with religious service and opening hours for heritage visits,
and the cloister, secularized in the 19th century, have different access and form the most visited heritage complex
of the Country" [DGPC].
Virtual visit with Google
To take a virtual tour of the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos (in English) click on the link below:
Monastery of the Jerónimos virtual
The beautiful façade of more than 300m in length is one of the highlights of this famous architectural monument, in whose interior
rest the mortal remains of Luís de Camões and Vasco da Gama, among others
famous personalities.
Portal of the Jerónimos Monastery © / DG Heritage, illustration
Manueline Architecture
Built in, the Mosteiro dos Jerônimos is the most complete and beautiful example of Manueline architecture
(which here mixes late Gothic and Renaissance) architectural style most representative of Portugal. It was declared
National Monument in 1907.
"A culmination of Manueline architecture and intrinsically linked to the epic of the Discoveries, this monastery is the
most notable Portuguese monastic ensemble of its time and one of the main hall churches in Europe" [Visit Portugal].
"With an initial layout by the Frenchman Boytac, the work was continued by other Masters, namely João de Castilho and,
already in the middle of the century, Diogo de Torralva" [Idem].
What to see
Even on a quick visit, "the façades, the Church and the cloisters deserve special attention right away. On the south façade,
you can admire the portal carved by João de Castilho, where the figures are arranged according to a specific hierarchy:
below, the Infante D. Henrique guards the entrance, in the middle, the Virgin of Belém blesses the monument, and the Archangel São Gabriel,
the protector of Portugal, completes the bow. The western portal, through which one enters the sacred space, was designed by
Nicholas Chanterenne. On the left, protected by São Jerónimo, is the statue of king D. Manuel, which is said to be
be a faithful portrait, and, on the right, that of Queen D. Maria , his wife, protected by São João Baptista "[Ibid.].
Interior of the Jerónimos Monastery © / Visit Lisbon, illustration
Continuing the visit to the interior of the monastery, "you will find the hall-church, Manueline's masterpiece, by
by João de Castilho. Note how, in an audacious work of architecture, the beautiful transept vault is not
supported by any column. At the entrance, after the low choir, are the cenotaphs of the poet Luís de Camões,
author of the epic poem "Os Lusíadas", and Vasco da Gama, commander of the fleet that in 1497 sailed
to India. In the
side chapels, the kings, princes and infants descendants of D. Manuel I. In the chancel,
reconstructed later by Jerónimo de Ruão, there are the tombs of D. Manuel I, of his son D.
João III and his wives. Special mention should be made of the tabernacle in solid silver, a work of Portuguese jewellery.
mid-17th century" [Visit Portugal].
World Heritage
The beautiful complex of Mosteiro dos Jerônimos (along with Torre de Belém) has been declared
World Heritage by UNESCO in 1983. It is one of the most important and visited tourist attractions in the Portuguese capital.
National Pantheon
In 2016, the Jeronimos Monastery was declared a National Pantheon. In the church of the Monastery,
before launching their caravels into the sea for the great Portuguese adventure, the most renowned commanders, including
Pedro Álvares Cabral, Vasco da Gama and others came to hold their vigils and ask for divine protection.
The Cardinal-King D. Henrique, the sons of D. Manuel I, in the right chapel
one can contemplate the tomb of D. Sebastião and the descendants of D. John III. At church
there are the tombs of Luís de Camões and Vasco da Gama.
7 Wonders of Portugal
In 2007, the Mosteiro dos Jerônicos was elected one of the 7 Wonders of Portugal.
How to get there
The Padrão dos Descobrimentos is located in the Parish of Belém, 7.4 km west of the Sé (Cathedral) of Lisbon.
The fastest and most comfortable way to reach the Padrão dos Descobrimentos is by private car. In this mode of
transport the trip takes about 17 minutes.
Address / Address: Praça do Império 1400-206 Lisbon. Phone: +351 213 620 034
By public transport, it is advisable to take one of the following buses: 727, 28, 729, 714 or 751.
in about 40 minutes.
If you prefer to use the tram (tram), take tram number 15.
Boat: From the south bank of the River Tagus, the best option is by boat, through Belém River Station.
Monastery of the Jerônimos © © Marcel Robin / СС
Hours
Closed (closed) on Mondays. Open from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm; ticket sales until 17:00 and the last entry at 17:30.
Groups: Between 9:30 am and 10:30 am, groups with guides and pre-purchased tickets have preferential access.
Attention! Closed (closed) on Mondays and on January 1st, Easter Sunday, May 1st and December 25th, or without
prior notice, during official State visits.
Rates
The regular ticket costs 10 €. 50% discount for students, young people under 12 and over 65.
Free entry upon documentary proof: entry is free on Sundays and holidays until 2 pm for all citizens
residing in national territory.
Official Link
• Monastery of the Jerônimos