The Hieronymites Monastery in Lisbon

The Hieronymites monastery is located to the west of Lisbonin the district of Belém. It promises a journey back in time to 16th century. This site has been inscribed on the World Heritage List ofUNESCO in 1983 because of its historical and architectural importance, and because it is one of the finest examples of art and architecture in the world. Portugal during the Great Discoveries.

The Hieronymite Monastery is home to many important figures in the rich history of the Portugal. It is one of the most important buildings of the Lusitanian nation. Among them, the king Manuel IOther members of the Portuguese royal family, Vasco da Gama and several literary figures such as Fernando Pessoa and Herculano.

The Hieronymites' monastery is now fully restored and is a must-see tour of Lisbon. Here's everything you need to know about visiting the Hieronymites Monastery in Lisbon.

The history of the Hieronymite Monastery 

King Manuel I built a magnificent monastery for the Hieronymites on the site of theHermitage of Henry the Navigator. This was shortly after Vasco da Gama's return from his first voyage in India. It was largely financed by the profits of the spice trade and the wealth brought back from the great Portuguese voyages of discovery in the 16th century.

The most impressive architectural work of the Manueline style is the monastery. The architects were able to embark on large-scale projects thanks to the wealth that came from Lisbon. Diogo Boitacathe first architect to build the site, adopts the Gothic style in 1502. His successors modified the style and added the ornamental apparatus typical of the Manueline style. There are many influences. Joao de CastilhoThis Spanish style gives the decoration a plateresque feel. Nicolau de Chaterene focused on the Renaissance themes. Diogo de Torralva and Jérôme from Rouen added a more classical touch.

He survived the Lisbon earthquake of 1755but was severely damaged by Napoleon's troops of France who invaded Portugal in the early 19th century. After the expulsion of the religious order of Hieronymites, the church of Santa Maria de Jeronimos became the parish church of the inhabitants of Santa Maria de Belem in 1834.

The architectural harmony of the whole building, which was once respected, has been somewhat altered by the additions made in the mid-19th century to the west of its bell tower. There are also the museums of archaeology and the navy.

The monastery has been classified historical monument in 1907 and included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1983. The Treaty of Lisbon is a new constitution signed by the heads of government and state of the European Union on 13 December 2007.

The cloister of the Hieronymites Monastery

The cloister is rich in sculptural treasures. It is a square-shaped structure of 55 metres on a side and two floors. The lower floor, designed by Diogo BoitacaIt is punctuated by wide arches whose infill is supported by slender columns whose decoration is inspired by late Gothic and Renaissance styles. Joao de Castilho created the upper floor. It is more modest in style. Since 1985, the corridor of the cloister has housed the tomb of Fernando Pessoa.

The tomb ofAlexandre Herculano is now located in the chapter house of the cloister. The sacristy and the monks' refectory are covered with cross and terracotta vaults.

Organisation of the visit to the Hieronymites Monastery

Tickets for the visit of the Hieronymites Monastery are 10€Whether you buy it online or on the spot.

In high seasonFrom May to September, the monastery is open from 10am to 6.30pm. In low season, the rest of the year, the monument is open from 10am to 5pm. The Hieronymites Monastery remains, however closed every MondayThere are 6 public holidays throughout the year.

Your interest in the architecture, your desire to take lots of photos, etc. will influence the length of your visit.

Your visit to the Hieronymite Monastery is likely to last between 40 minutes and 1 hour. This approximate time does not include the wait to enter the monument. If you do not have a ticket (reservation, Lisboa Card) in high season, the wait may be as long or longer than the visit itself.