What to see in Jeronimos Monastery in Lisbon

What to see in Jeronimos Monastery in Lisbon

If you are wondering what to see in Jeronimos Monastery in Lisbon, here are some hints as to what to look out for. The Jerónimos Monastery is one of the most important monuments in Lisbon and it’s been proclaimed as World Heritage by UNESCO. Built in the late 1400’s, it is a fine example of the discoveries inspired architectural Manuelino style. If you’re visiting Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon and have no idea what to look for, here are some suggestions to enjoy your visit as much as you can.

Tomb of Vasco da Gama

If you’re visiting the Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon, one of the things to see is Vasco da Gama’s tomb. Vasco da Gama is a world-renowned sailor and he played a very important role in our history during the period of Discoveries: he discovered the sea route from Lisbon to India. After this, the Portuguese were able to have the monopoly of spice and material trade in Europe for the centuries to come. His tomb is in the monastery, in the church of Saint Mary!

Symbols of Discoveries

Visiting the Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon is a search quest for symbols of the Discoveries. The whole monument was built in the Manuelino style, directly related to the age of discoveries. From ships ropes, to algae, floating spheres, rope knots, armillary spheres. From crosses of the Order of Christ, they are abundant and show with exuberance the power and knowledge of the Portuguese sailors and the Portuguese empire.

Cloisters

When visiting the Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon, you must walk through the Cloisters. These interior gardens host a mix of the Manuelino style and European, Moorish and Eastern motifs. These are symbols of the dimension of the Portuguese empire and its power throughout the world. In our Belém tour, I always recommend you visit the cloisters of the monastery. These are definitely worth visiting as this is different from any other monastery and cloisters in the world. Truly, a unique style you can’t afford to miss!

Poets, Writers and Presidents

Inside the cloisters of the Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon, you’ll find some important figures in the Portuguese story whose remains have been transported to the monastery. In the cloisters, you’ll find the remains of presidents Teófilo Braga and Oscar Carmona, also of the play writer Almeida Garrett and of the modern poet Fernando Pessoa. In the church, you can find Luís de Camões, the 16th century poet who immortalized the Age of Discoveries (and the bravery of the Portuguese people) in its poem Os Lusíadas.

South Entrance of St Mary’s Church

When visiting the Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon, take a moment to appreciate the South entrance of St. Mary’s Church. This is one of my favorite stops in our Belém tour, because you will stop in awe at the amazing detailed and beautiful work on this door. Full of nautical motifs from the Manuelino style and statues of Saint Jerome and Saint Mary of Bethlehem, it’s the most beautiful and detailed portals of the Monastery. Want to discover more? Join our Belém tour right here or you can also skip the line of Lisbon greatest landmarks!

See you in Belém!