Jerónimos Monastery: Tickets

Jerónimos Monastery - Tickets and Visitor Information

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What is Jerónimos Monastery?

• Jerónimos Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Lisbon's most important historic landmarks.
• The monastery is in Lisbon's riverside district of Belém and was built in the early 1500s to celebrate Portugal's Age of Discovery.
• It is considered a great example of Portugal's Manueline architecture with visitors coming to see its beautifully carved cloisters, impressive church, and the tomb of explorer Vasco da Gama.

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Quick Information

• Jerónimos Monastery Address: Praça do Império, 1400-206, Lisboa.
• Opening Hours: Monday: Closed. All Other Days: 09:30 - 18:00
• Suggested Visit Duration: 1.5 - 2 hours
• Ticket Options

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Is Jerónimos Monastery Worth Visiting?

Yes. Jerónimos Monastery is one of Portugal's most important historic landmarks and one of Lisbon's most popular attractions, with visitors enjoying:

• Beautiful Manueline architecture.
• A UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Home to Vasco da Gama's tomb
• Beautiful two-storey cloisters
• Easy to combine with Belém Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries

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What You Can See At Jerónimos Monastery

Highlights include:

• 16th-century cloisters
• Former Monks' Refectory
• Church of Santa Maria
• Vasco da Gama's Tomb
• Chapter House
• Ornate South Portal

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About Jerónimos Monastery

Jerónimos Monastery (Mosteiro dos Jerónimos), also known as the Hieronymites Monastery, is a 16th-century monument overlooking the Tagus River in Lisbon's Belém district. It is one of Portugal's most famous landmarks and is celebrated for its Manueline architecture and historical significance.

Construction began in 1501 under the orders of King Manuel I, following Vasco da Gama's successful voyage to India. The monastery was built to celebrate the expedition and give thanks to the Virgin Mary for his safe return, with the project largely funded by a tax on the spice trade.

The architecture is characterised by the intricate Manueline style, a uniquely Portuguese variation of late Gothic architecture. Decorative carvings of ropes, anchors, sea monsters, and other maritime motifs celebrate Portugal's achievements during the Age of Discovery.

One of the highlights is its church, the Church of Santa Maria de Belém, which is known for its grandeur and beauty. Its interior is covered with ornate vaulted ceilings, intricately carved stone columns, and beautiful stained glass windows.

The tomb of Vasco da Gama is also inside the church, adding to its historical significance.

Highlights of the Monastery Include:

• Cloisters: Which has beautiful architectural features including 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: Where the monks would have their meals. You can see panels with scenes that depict the life of St. Jerome in the refectory. The cloisters have an 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 artefacts.

Jerónimos Monastery has played various roles over the centuries. It's 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.

Highlights at Jerónimos Monastery:

• Tomb of Fernando Pessoa: One of the country's greatest poets, as well as an author, philosopher and translator, his tomb is in the lower level of the Cloister.
  
• Tomb of Vasco da Gama: The Portuguese explorer who discovered the route to India in the 1400s has his tomb close to the point where he disembarked his ship on his return.
• Tomb of Luis de Camoes: Another of Portugal's great poets, he lived during the 'Age of Discoveries' and died on 10th June, which is now celebrated as Portugal's National Day each year.
• Facades: The monastery has beautiful facades with carvings and ornate features.
• High Choir: Dating back to 1551 and used by the monks, the room has long windows that flood the space with light. The room is also home to a magnificent statue of crucified Christ in silver.

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