JERONIMOS MONASTERY
A World Heritage monument; Vasco da Gama's resting place
The Jeronimos Monastery is the most impressive symbol of Portugal's power
and wealth during the Age of Discovery.
King Manuel I built it in 1502 on
the site of a hermitage founded by Prince Henry the Navigator, where Vasco
da Gama and his crew spent their last night in Portugal in prayer before
leaving for India. It was built to commemorate Vasco Da Gama's voyage and to
give thanks to the Virgin Mary for its success.
Vasco da Gama's tomb was placed inside by the entrance, as was the tomb of
poet Luis de Camões, author of the epic The Lusiads in which he
glorifies the triumphs of Da Gama and his compatriots. Other great figures
in Portuguese history are also entombed here, like King Manuel and King
Sebastião, and poets Fernando Pessoa and Alexandre Herculano.
The monastery was populated by monks of the Order of Saint Jerome
(Hieronymites), whose spiritual job was to give guidance to sailors and pray
for the king's soul.
It is one of the great triumphs of European Gothic
(UNESCO has classified it a World Heritage monument), with much of the
design characterized by elaborate sculptural details and maritime motifs.
This style of architecture became known as Manueline,
a style of art that
served to glorify the great discoveries of the age.
The cloisters are magnificent, each column differently carved with coils of rope, sea monsters, coral, and other sea motifs evocative of that time of world exploration at sea. Here is also the entrance to the former refectory that has beautiful reticulated vaulting and tile decoration on the walls depicting the Biblical story of Joseph.
The church interior is spacious with octagonal piers richly decorated
with reliefs, and outside is a garden laid out in 1940 consisting of hedges
cut in the shape of various municipal coats of arms of Portugal. In the
center is a large fountain also decorated with coats of arms, often
illuminated on special occasions.
Get FREE admission to Jeronimos Monastery and ride Lisbon's metro, buses, and trams for FREE with the Lisboa Card.
UNESCO says...Jeronimos Monastery was declared a World Heritage monument because: "Standing at the entrance to Lisbon harbour, the Monastery of the Hieronymites - construction of which began in 1502 - exemplifies Portuguese art at its best." |
How to Visit
Where: Praça do Império, Belem
How: Tram 15
When: 10AM-5PM (Oct.-April), 10AM-6PM (May-Sept.) (Closed Mondays)
What: www.mosteirojeronimos.pt
How much: 6 euros, or FREE with the Lisboa Tourist Card
Sights Nearby
Belem
Tower - The city's icon; a symbol of the Age of Discovery.
Discoveries
Monument - The world's explorers in stone.
Berardo Museum - World-class collection of modern art.
Coaches
Museum - The world's largest collection of magnificent royal coaches.
Maritime
Museum - The story of Portugal's pioneering role in world exploration at sea.
Archaeology
Museum - Archaeological finds from over the centuries.
Belem Cultural
Center - Modern cultural center with regular exhibitions and events.
Tropical
Garden - Beautiful garden with rare plants from around the world.
Belem
Palace - The home of Portugal's President.
Memoria
Church - Elegant neoclassical church.
Ajuda
Palace - An extravagant royal palace.
Ajuda
Botanical Garden - Beautiful gardens overlooking the river.
25
de Abril Bridge - Golden Gate's twin sister.
Docas - Attractive dock area with cosmopolitan
bars and restaurants.
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