Jerónimos Monastery

Jerónimos Monastery is a masterpiece of Portuguese Manueline architecture, located in the Belém district of Lisbon. Built in the early 1500s, it was commissioned by King Manuel I to commemorate Vasco da Gama's successful voyage to India. The monastery's ornate facade features intricate stone carvings of maritime motifs, ropes, and exotic creatures, reflecting Portugal's Age of Discovery. Inside, the cloister is a highlight, a two-story arcaded courtyard with delicate, lace-like stonework. The church, Santa Maria de Belém, houses the tombs of Vasco da Gama and the poet Luís de Camões. The monastery's grandeur and historical significance earned it a UNESCO World Heritage designation. Visitors can explore the church for free, while the cloister and museum require a ticket. The site is a symbol of Portuguese national pride and a must-see for anyone interested in history and architecture.

Don't miss

• Admire the intricate Manueline carvings on the south portal
• Walk through the serene two-story cloister with its ornate columns
• Visit the tomb of Vasco da Gama in the church
• See the impressive vaulted ceiling of the church nave
• Explore the nearby Belém Tower and Monument to the Discoveries

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Jerónimos Monastery

Cheapest way inBike Tours Lisbon - Center of Lisbon to Belém4.9★ · 709 travelers4-5 hoursFree cancellationFrom$19 per personSee dates →Best full dayFrom Lisbon: Fátima, Nazaré, Batalha and Óbidos Guided Tour4.7★ · 1,714 travelers~10 hoursFree cancellationFrom$64 per personSee dates →Private & flexibleLisbon Jewish Heritage and History 4H Private Tour Van5★ · 321 travelers~4 hoursFree cancellationFrom$180 per personSee dates →

Getting there

Know before you go

• The church is free, but lines can be long; consider visiting the church separately from the cloister.
• Photography is allowed inside, but no flash in the church.
• Dress modestly when entering the church (cover shoulders and knees).
• Try a Pastel de Nata at the nearby Pastéis de Belém bakery after your visit.

A bit of history

Construction began in 1501 and took over a century to complete, funded by taxes from the spice trade. The monastery was originally home to the Order of Saint Jerome, who provided spiritual guidance to sailors. It survived the 1755 earthquake largely intact.