The Monastery of the Order of Jerónimos, in Portuguese "Mosteiro dos Jerónimos", is one of the most beautiful and famous buildings in Lisbon. It was built around 1500 in the suburb of Belém and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The extensive Gothic building is extremely well preserved with a beautiful courtyard in the centre of the monastery.
Set aside at least an hour to visit the extensive monastery complex.
A pearl of Manueline style
Construction of the monastery began at the instigation of King Manuel I of Portugal in 1501. The main symbolism of the building was to show gratitude to the seafarer Vasco de Gama for his successful voyage in 1498, during which he discovered India.
The entire complex was completed more than 100 years later in 1605.
At first glance, the incredible architecture of the unique Manueline Gothic style catches the eye. This Portuguese style combines Gothic elements with Moorish architecture and Renaissance, and emphasises ornate motifs.
It is the Jeronymite Monastery with the adjacent church of Santa Maria de Belém that is the masterpiece of the Manueline style and the most famous building of its kind in the world.
The magnificent interiors and resting place of the famous
Inside, the monumental nave of the Church of Our Lady of Belém is particularly striking, with its massive vault supported by only a minimum of columns.
The monastery also houses the graves of several famous Portuguese personalities, including:
- King Manuel I and his consort Maria of Aragon.
- The sailor Vasco de Gama
- The writers Luís Vaz de Camões and Fernando Pessoa
- King John III and his wife Catherine of Habsburg
Admission and opening hours
Most areas of the monastery are open to the public.
It is open every day except Mondays from 10:00-18:00, with the last admission at 17:30.
The entrance fee is 10 eur and can easily be purchased on site with cash or card.
Combination tickets with the Belém Tower are available at 12 eur.
Accommodation at the monastery
Mosteiro dos Jerónimos is one of Lisbon's main sights, so the adjacent Belém district is one of the most popular places to stay.
Near the monastery you'll find more private apartments with prices above the Lisbon average. Of the cheaper ones, we would recommend the simple, nice guesthouse Setubalense or the well rated apartments Famous Crows Lisbon Suites with prices starting from 60 eur, which is very good value for the area.
How to get to the Jeronymite Monastery?
From the centre, it takes about half an hour to get here by tram number 15, get off at the Mosteiro Jerónimos stop.
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