My Escapes Portugal Another Lovely Trip to Portugal! Belém Belém Day Trip The Jerónimos Monastery

The Jerónimos Monastery

Portugal's Jerónimos Monastery is an architectural gem.
It is a fine example of Late Gothic Manueline style and being situated in Belém, just outside of Lisbon makes it easily accessible to anyone who "drops in" to Lisbon.

This building is so beautiful, you have to see it - even if you have only a day to spend in Lisbon. Provided that you have a full day from early morning until midnight, you can manage to visit this monastery and see Lisbon's main attractions as well.

The Jerónimos Monastery is in Belém, about 10 minutes(or less!) away from Lisbon's Cais do Sodré train station.

Why visit the Jerónimos Monastery?

Besides the beautiful ancient building, you might also want to see the tomb of famous explorer, Vasco da Gama.

The Jerónimos Monastery was built at the order of Infante Henrique (Henry the Navigator). Planned in 1495, initiated in 1501, finalized by 1601.

It took roughly 100 years to complete: the complex includes the immense church and the monastery.

The construction was founded with tax money (on trade with Africa and the East) gathered by King Manuel. This was the equivalent of 70 kg (150 lb) of gold per year.

The hard work of a century has given birth to a fantastic artwork...

The delicate embellishments took me off my feet. Most of the decorations were carefully carved out of limestone.

The Hieronymite monks were selected by King Manuel I to occupy the monastery and pray for the king's "eternal soul" and to provide help to the navigators who depart from Lisbon.

One of the greatest navigators - Vasco da Gama is buried here - his tomb is to the left of the entrance.

I felt spiritually elevated as I entered the church...

As I across to the main chapel (in front, as the photo above shows), I carefully examined the tall ceiling and the decorated pillars.

The 6 pillars are all 25 m tall. They were decorated by Spanish-origin architect Juan de Castillo in the early 1500's.

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