Category: Religious Architecture > Monastery
District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa > Belém
Situated in the historic area of Belém, in Lisbon, the Jerónimos Monastery stands majestically at the mouth of the Tagus River. Its imposing presence dominates the riverside landscape, reflecting its deep connection to the Age of Discovery and the departure of Portuguese navigators to the world.
This site, chosen to bear witness to the achievements of the Discoveries, offers a unique perspective on the importance of Lisbon as a starting and ending point for global maritime routes.
The construction of the Monastery of Saint Mary of Belém began in 1502 by order of King Manuel I and lasted for almost a century, until 1601. It was built to celebrate Vasco da Gama's return from India and to perpetuate the memory of the maritime achievements that marked Portugal's history.
Initially entrusted to the Order of Saint Jerome, the monastery served as a place of prayer and spiritual support for navigators. Due to its unquestionable historical and artistic importance, the Jerónimos Monastery was classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.
The monastery is the greatest exponent of the Manueline style, a Portuguese Gothic architectural trend distinguished by the fusion of Late Gothic and Renaissance elements, with strong inspiration from maritime themes and the kingdom's heraldic symbols.
Its grandeur and decorative richness are manifested in the profusion of stone-carved ornaments, which include marine motifs, plants, symbols of the Order of Christ, and fantastical figures, revealing unparalleled artistic mastery.
The monastery's church, with its Latin cross plan, is composed of three naves of equal height, supported by slender columns, creating an interior space of remarkable spaciousness and light. The imposing multi-ribbed vault that covers the nave is an architectural feat, with intricately intertwining ribs that defy gravity.
This sacred space holds the tombs of crucial figures in Portuguese history, such as the navigator Vasco da Gama and the poet Luís Vaz de Camões, as well as the royal tombs of King Manuel I and other Portuguese monarchs, underscoring its role as a place of memory and tribute.
Considered one of the most remarkable works of Manueline architecture, the monastery's cloister features two vaulted floors, adorned with exhaustive stone ornamentation. Each archway, each pillar, and each decorative element reveals a fusion of Gothic, Renaissance, and Manueline motifs, with rich and detailed symbolism.
This inner courtyard offers an atmosphere of serenity and beauty, where light and shadow enhance the complexity of the sculptural work, inviting contemplation and admiration for the skill of the master stonemasons.
The portals of the Jerónimos Monastery are true jewels of sculpture, standing out for their beauty and meticulous detail. The South Portal, facing the river, is particularly famous for its elaborate ornamentation, featuring an intricate ensemble of biblical figures, saints, and historical characters, framed by exuberant decorative elements.
The West Portal, the main entrance to the church, displays scenes from the birth of Christ and statues of the founding monarchs, King Manuel I and Queen Maria, with a precision and expression that reflect the artistic mastery of the era.
The Monastery of Saint Mary of Belém is an indelible symbol of Portugal's power and expansion during the Age of Discovery, representing a period of great splendor and transformation. Its grandeur and significance endure through the centuries, making it a living testament to the nation's history.
Its relevance is proven by the continuous influx of visitors, being one of the most sought-after monuments in the country, which attests to its profound cultural importance and its status as one of Portugal's most significant heritage legacies.
Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mosteiro_dos_Jerónimos
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.69762199377533,-9.205983462223061
Coordinates DMS: 38°41'51.4"N 09°12'21.5"W
Weather Lisboa
On-duty Pharmacy Lisboa
