The Hieronymites Monastery, in the footsteps of the Portuguese explorers

The Hieronymites monastery is another building that evokes the century of the great discoveries. Its construction was ordered by King Manuel I on the return of Vasco da Gama from the Indies. It was his way of giving thanks and leaving an indelible mark of his passage through Portuguese history. Located in the Belém district, this truly impressive building, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, showcases the best of the Portuguese architectural styles of the 16th and 17th centuries. It is probably one of the most fabulous examples of Gothic architecture with Manueline features.

Its construction was financed by the pepper tax levied on exports of Indian products. Until 1834, the monks of the Hieronymite order lived here, but today the monastery has been transformed into a real tourist attraction. As well as the central chapel, it houses a naval museum displaying the seaplanes used in the first Atlantic crossing in 1922. It remains Lisbon's most emblematic building.

There are several entrances surrounding the building, but visitors enter through the west portal. The precision with which the stone has been carved is truly impressive. Above the door are three niches depicting biblical scenes: the Annunciation, the Nativity and the Adoration.

Take a look at the south façade, which faces the Place de l'Empire. It's so attractive that it's impossible to miss. It was built entirely from Lioz stone, which remains very attractive despite the wear and tear of time. The south gateway is over 30 metres high and around 12 metres wide. Even if you're just passing through, stop to admire the impressive architecture and the details carved into the sides.

The church of Santa Maria de Belém is free, so it would be a shame to miss out. Once past the porch, you are greeted by the tombs of two famous Portuguese figures: Luís de Camões, Portugal's greatest poet, and Vasco de Gama, the first navigator to chart the route to Asia, who built the monastery to commemorate his return from India. Take a minute to admire the tombs, which are superbly decorated with maritime reliefs.

It was designed with a cross-shaped floor plan, topped by an incredible vault supported by octagonal carved columns, the top of which takes the form of a palm tree on the ceiling. This ensemble gives the nave a majestic feel. The stained glass windows are richly decorated and bathed in light.

Located on the outside of the building, you will need to use the west door to access it. It extends over two floors and is shaped like a square with the corners cut off. The stonework is even more impressive than inside the church, and will never cease to amaze you, especially in bright sunshine!

This is the first cloister to be designed entirely in the Manueline style, with every surface adorned with decorative details featuring plant, royal and religious elements. The richness of the details and the shape of the exterior make it a place of tranquillity, providing a pleasant and inspiring atmosphere; it was used by the monks as a space for meditation or recreation.

The ground floor is lined with huge openwork arches whose decorative motifs reflect the Gothic and Renaissance styles. These arches perfectly reflect the decorative abundance of the Manueline style. The upper floor is much more minimalist, but just as beautiful, and offers another vantage point from which to admire the cloister.

Head to the north wing to see the tomb of Fernando Pessoa, the famous Portuguese poet and writer who created a body of work under various heteronyms (including his own name). The style of the tomb is sober, but the stone contains an extract from the poem "To be Great, Be Whole" by Ricardo Reis, a literary avatar among others.

📍 Address: praça do Império Lisbon.

🚌 How to get there

By tram: line 15E stop "Mosteiro Jeronimos".

By bus: lines 79B / 729 stop "Mosteiro Jeronimos".

By train: Cascàis line, stop at Belèm station

By car: you can park in the Plaça d'Alburquerque or in the Terreiro das Missas car park.

👛 Price :

• Church: free
• Normal: €10
• Reduced : 50% off for over-65s and students

⏰Opening times: Tuesday to Sunday, 9.30am to 5.30pm (last admission at 5pm).

While you're in the area, don't miss out on the best Pastéis de Nata in the Portuguese city! Located just a stone's throw from the monastery, Pasteis de Belèm is certainly THE city's emblematic pastry shop and tearoom. Its beautiful azulejos façade exudes a scent that could not be more enticing. There are two services on offer: a tea room where you can enjoy a drink with your warm flan from the comfort of your seat, or a takeaway shop. In both cases, there will be a bit of a wait, but believe us, these marvels are worth it!