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Jeronimos Monastery

The 300-meter Long Facade

The Jerónimos Monastery, a landmark of the Belém district of Lisbon, is more than 500 years old and was listed as a World Heritage Site in 1983. Jerónimos Monastery is worth a visit, with its ornately carved church building, cloistered gardens, and the archaeological museum inside.

The Jerónimos Monastery is a landmark in the Belém district of Lisbon, and was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1983, along with Belém Tower Nearby. The more than 500 years old monastery is considered one of the seven wonders of Portugal, with its spectacular 300 Meters Long Facade.

The Main Entrance at south side of the monastery is the essence of the building, decorated with religious figures and stories in reliefs.

Relief Figures at the Main Entrance

Manywhere Trivia:
The famous Pastel de nata, or Portuguese Egg Custard Tart was invented by the nuns of the Jerónimos Monastery.

The interior of the church of the Jerónimos Monastery is also rich in carvings, as the Columns and Domes are covered with Renaissance-style carvings. The Hall of the Cross, which uses no supports, is a classic of architectural design. Tombs of Portuguese Kings and Royalty, such as Manuel I, João III, etc. were buried near the church altar and aisles.

It is said that the Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama came here to pray for peace before discovering the route to India, and Vasco da Gama's Sarcophagus can still be seen in the monastery today. Eventually, the monastery has become a place of blessing for the Portuguese sailors.

The Jerónimos Monastery also has a historic cloister garden, and its west part has been transformed into the National Archaeological Museum, which is also worth a visit.