Jerónimos Monastery: A Jewel of Late-Gothic Architecture

Name: Jerónimos Monastery
Address: Lisboa, Lisboa, 1400-206, PT
Rating: 4.5

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Jerónimos Monastery: A Jewel of Late-Gothic Architecture

Overview

The Jerónimos Monastery, located in Lisbon, stands as a testament to the grandeur of late-Gothic Manueline architecture. Constructed under the orders of King Manuel I, this UNESCO World Heritage site was built near the remnants of an ancient 5th-century church, Santa Maria de Belém. Completed in 1601, the monastery served as a spiritual headquarters for the Order of St. Jerome until 1833. Positioned elegantly along the banks of the River Tagus, the monastery has played a pivotal role in Portuguese history, serving as the final resting place for royalty and the overnight stop for the famed explorer Vasco da Gama before his monumental journey to the Orient. Highlights of this architectural marvel include the stunning South Portal, adorned with intricate carvings and soaring to 32 meters, as well as the Axial Portal, a beautifully embellished entrance crafted by Nicolau Chanterene in 1517. Inside, visitors are greeted by a magnificent church featuring a grand ribbed vaulted ceiling and the tombs of renowned figures such as Vasco da Gama and Luís de Camões. The expansive cloister and its exquisite Manueline decor, along with the 17th-century azulejos tiles in the refectory, further enhance the site's historical significance and beauty.

Reviews

Lucas Mendes

Brazil

This place is incredibly beautiful. The outstanding peace and tranquility here is remarkable. There’s a wealth of history and stunning architecture to admire. Parts of the church were under restoration when we visited. We came on a weekday and purchased tickets from a small stand just in front of the monastery. We waited about 10 minutes to enter the church. For the entrance to the monastery on the same tickets, we didn't have to wait at all, but I would recommend buying tickets online to skip the lines. The interior of the monastery, with its patio, sculptures, and the lovely blue and yellow mosaics, is just gorgeous. Definitely recommend visiting if you're in Lisbon and have the time.

Jakub Nowak

Poland

It’s stunning from the outside, and the church is free and impressive. However, I don't think the interior and courtyard require an entry fee, as it may be a bit of a tourist trap as others have pointed out. Some people leave after about 30 minutes, which doesn’t seem worth it. Still, the exterior architecture is beautiful.

Sinead O'Connor

Ireland

What a breathtaking historical site! The architecture here is stunning. The church was under some restoration, so a few areas were blocked off, but it was beautiful nonetheless. It was fascinating to see the tombs of several important historical figures. The views from the courtyard are fantastic, and navigation inside is easy. We visited on a weekday around 3 pm with no wait! Highly recommend this stunning location!

Michael Johnson

United States

This historical landmark is truly a must-see. It's breathtaking from both the outside and the inside. We purchased tickets online, which saved us from waiting in line. The wait with tickets was about 10-15 minutes. You can use your tickets to enter the cathedral as well, where you can explore two levels. The architectural details are truly impressive.

Carlos Sanchez

Spain

The Jesuit Monastery felt a bit overpriced for what it offers. Admission for two adults was 36 euros. While undeniably beautiful and historic, the experience felt somewhat limited. The visit mainly involves a courtyard across two levels and a couple of side rooms. Although impressive, it didn't seem adequate to justify the price, especially regarding the time spent there. If you're particularly keen on history or architecture, it might still be worth it, but the admission price felt steep based on what was available. You can purchase tickets online in advance for a better deal, though you need to book at least a day ahead.