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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.
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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 Rio Tejo used to be closer to this building...
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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.
Delicate limestone ornaments of the exterior
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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.
Sublime interior
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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.
Octagonal columns decorated with Renaissance elements
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Looking back
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Vasco da Gama's tomb
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The cloister's interior yard
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The corridor that goes around the yard
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Reminds me of southern Spain, Moorish architecture
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About the Author:
Escape Hunter, the young solo traveler in his early 30's explores the World driven by curiosity, thirst for adventure, deep passion for beauty, love for freedom and diversity.
With a nuanced, even humorous approach to travel, an obsession for art and design, Escape Hunter prefers to travel slowly, in order to learn and "soak up" the local atmosphere...
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As "Escape Hunter" - the curious incognito traveler with an insatiable drive to explore, I embark on slow and deep travels around
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The Jerónimos Monastery is also known as the Hieronymites Monastery