Jerónimos Monastery: Tickets

Jerónimos Monastery Tickets and Information

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• Jerónimos Monastery Address: Praça do Império, 1400-206, Lisboa.
• Opening Hours: Monday: Closed. All Other Days: 09:30 - 18:00

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Is Jerónimos Monastery Worth Visiting?

• Jerónimos Monastery is another of our best selling tickets, so our website users definitely think so, yes!

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What You See At Jerónimos Monastery

• Jerónimos Monastery
• The 16th Century Cloister
• The former Monk’s refectory

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About Jerónimos Monastery‍

Jerónimos Monastery, also known as the 'Hieronymites Monastery', is an incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site. A 16th century architectural masterpiece that overlooks the Tagus River in the Belém district of Lisbon and one of the most prominent and famous landmarks in the country.

The building is known for its intricate decoration and historical significance. Construction began on the monastery in 1501 under the orders of King Manuel I of Portugal, following the return of Portuguese explorer 'Vasco da Gama' from his voyage to India.

The purpose of the monastery was to commemorate da Gama's successful journey, and to give thanks to the Virgin Mary for his safe return. It was funded by a tax on spices, which was a lucrative trade at the time. 

The architecture of the Jerónimos Monastery is characterised by its intricate Manueline style, which is a Portuguese variation of late Gothic architecture and it features elaborate ornamentation which includes maritime motifs such as ropes, anchors, as well as sea monsters, which reflect Portugal's maritime achievements during the country's 'Age of Discovery'.

One of the highlights of the monastery is its church, the ‘Church of Santa Maria de Belém’, which is renowned for its grandeur and beauty. The church's interior is covered with ornate vaulted ceilings, intricately carved stone columns, and beautiful stained glass windows. The tomb of Vasco da Gama rests inside the church, adding to its historical significance.

In addition to the church, the monastery complex also includes:

• Cloisters: Which also offer some beautiful architectural features including their ornate arches with stone carvings.
• Chapels: The monastery has several important chapels including the Main Chapel, which is home to the tombs of King Manuel I & Queen Maria of Aragon as well as other Portuguese royalty. The South & North Transept Chapels are home to the tombs of King João III and Queen Catarina of Austria.
• Refectory: Which is where the monks used t have their meals. You can see panels with scenes that depict the life of St. Jerome in the refectory. The cloisters are particularly noteworthy due to their elegant design and intricate stone carvings.
• Old Chapel Foundations: See the archaeological site made up of an old chapel foundation which was also home to another set of tombs as well as other artifacts.

Jerónimos Monastery has played various roles over the centuries. It has served as a monastery, a church, and even as a school and orphanage at different points in its history. It has survived earthquakes, wars, and political changes and is now one of Portugal's most cherished cultural treasures and one of the countries most popular attractions.

Things to look out for at Jerónimos Monastery

• Tomb of Fernando Pessoa: One of the countries greatest poets, as well as being an author, philosopher and translator, his tomb sits in the lower level of the Cloister.
  
• Tomb of Vasco de Gama: The Portuguese explorer who discovered the route to India in the 1400's has his tomb close to the point where he disembarked his ship on his return.
• Tomb of Luis de Camoes: Considered as another of Portugal's greatest poets, he lived during the 'Age of Discoveries' and died on 10th June, which is now celebrated as Portugal's National Day each year.
• Facade's: The monastery has spectacular facade's which can be enjoyed on our visit. With carvings and ornate features, they are a true architectural feature that need to be seen in person to fully appreciate them.
• High Choir: Dating back to 1551 and used by the monks, the room has incredible long windows that flood the space with light. The room is also home to a magnificent statue of crucified Christ in silver.

A must for your 'Things to do in Lisbon' list!

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