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Jeronimos Monastery

The masterpiece of Manueline architecture - a vast, intricately carved monastery in Lisbon holding the tomb of the explorer Vasco da Gama, a UNESCO site.

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Jeronimos Monastery

Illustrative image - a scene in the spirit of the place, not a photograph of it. Real photos are below.

UNESCO World Heritage

Typechurch
WhereLisbon
Nearest cityLisbon
Best seasonMarch to June and September to October
Time to allowOne to two hours
Getting thereIn the Belem district of Lisbon; tram or train from the centre
EntryChurch free; cloister charged

The Jeronimos Monastery is the masterpiece of the Manueline style, a vast monastery in the Belem district of Lisbon, built in the sixteenth century with wealth from the spice trade. Its soaring church and, above all, its exquisitely carved two-storey cloister, dripping with maritime and botanical stone ornament, are a UNESCO wonder, and it holds the tombs of the poet Camoes and the explorer Vasco da Gama.

What you actually see

  • The carved cloister - the exquisite two-storey cloister of intricate stonework.
  • The church - the soaring vaulted nave on slender carved columns.
  • The tombs - the resting places of Vasco da Gama and the poet Camoes.
  • The Manueline detail - the maritime and botanical carving throughout.

When to go

Spring and autumn for mild weather; summer is hot and the queues long. The church is free, but the famous cloister charges and queues, so go early. Combine with the Belem Tower nearby.

Honest expectations

The church is free but the star cloister charges and queues can be very long, so arrive early or book. It sits out in Belem, away from the centre. The intricate stonework is the draw rather than a large interior to explore.

Nearby

The Belem Tower and the Pasteis de Belem bakery are a short walk; central Lisbon is a tram ride.

What to pack for Jeronimos Monastery

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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.

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