DK Travel : Lisbon : Mosteiro dos Jerónimos

Mosteiro dos Jerónimos

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Few of Lisbon’s monuments are overly grand – and while this beautiful and historic monastery is imposing, its proportions remain approachable. Built from the beginning of the 16th century by Diogo Boitac and then João de Castilho, Jerónimos is a celebration of Portugal’s territorial expansion and an expression of a uniquely national style. It’s also a monument to Portuguese identity, housing the tombs of men who helped make the country great, including Henry the Navigator, Dom Sebastião and Luís de Camões.
This is one of the most visited sites in Lisbon. Think twice before going at weekends, on mid-mornings or on mid-afternoons (the latter two are favoured by tour groups). Hit it at lunchtime, or just before it closes, when the stone turns honey-coloured. One of the most serene places for a drink in Belém is the terrace café at the CCB , overlooking the river from a minimalist garden. The tomb of Dom Sebastião is empty, as the young king’s body was never found after the battle of Alcácer-Quivir. For more examples of the Manueline style See Top 10 Manueline Gems

Top 10 Features

1. South Portal

Restraint might not be the word for this towering sculpture of an entrance, but look closely and you’ll see that none of its parts is overpoweringly large. The figures include Henry the Navigator.
2. West Portal

The mouldings and surrounds of this portal (used today as the main entrance) by French sculptor Nicolau Chanterène show the Manueline love of figurative-fantastical decoration.
3. Nave

3. Nave

Many visitors find the well-lit nave the most striking feature of Jerónimos, with its soaring pillars supporting a beautiful fan-vaulted ceiling.
4. Cloister

Begun by Diogo Boitac and finished by João de Castilho and Diogo de Torralva, the cloister is an object-lesson in Manueline tracery and extravagant ornament.
5. Refectory

The long, narrow refectory features fabulous vaulting and rope-like Manueline mouldings. The panel above the modest fireplace depicts the biblical story of the feeding of the 5,000.
6. Tombs of Vasco da Gama and Luís de Camões

The two open chapels to left and right as you enter the church – facing the aisles under the gallery – contain the tombs of Vasco da Gama and Luís de Camões, transferred here in 1940.
7. Tombs of Dom Sebastião and Henry the Navigator

As you pass under the magnificent stellar vault of the crossing, look to each side to see the grand tombs of Henry the Navigator and Dom Sebastião.
8. Chancel

The current chancel dates from 1572, and its gridlike Renaissance layout is in sharp but attractive contrast to the rest of the church. Look here for the tombs of Dom Manuel I and his wife Dona Maria.
9. Chapterhouse

Completed only in the 19th century, the attractive chapterhouse was never used as such. The tomb of Alexandre Herculano, a celebrated 19th-century historian who served as the first mayor of Belém, is under the crucifix.
10. Extension

10. Extension

Major restoration and extension works in the 19th century saw the addition of the long, Neo-Manueline west wing, which now houses the Museu de Arqueologia and part of the Museu da Marinha . Another addition was the distinctive domed belltower (the previous roof was pointed).

Practical Information

This is one of the most visited sites in Lisbon. Think twice before going at weekends, on mid-mornings or on mid-afternoons (the latter two are favoured by tour groups). Hit it at lunchtime, or just before it closes, when the stone turns honey-coloured. One of the most serene places for a drink in Belém is the terrace café at the CCB , overlooking the river from a minimalist garden. Praça do Império 21 362 00 34 Open 10am–6pm (4:30pm Oct–Apr) Tue–Sun; closed 25 Dec, 1 Jan, 1 May, Easter Sun Adm €4.50 (concessions €2.25; under-14s free; free before 2pm on Sun & public holidays) www.mosteirojeronimos.pt