Jerónimos Monastery
Mosteiro dos Jerónimos · Lisbon (Belém), Portugal
A Manueline masterpiece built with the riches of the spice trade, where Vasco da Gama is buried.
Know before you go
- Don't touch the stone carvings or tombs
- don't speak loudly in the church
- don't block the pavement and crossings while queuing
This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.
Stories & people
Stories & people
History
A monastery built on the spice tax
Manuel I ordered this monastery built near the point from which Vasco da Gama set out on his first voyage to India, as a resting place for the House of Aviz, funded by a tax on the profits of the annual India fleets. The great earthquake of 1755 destroyed most of Lisbon, yet the monastery lost only a balustrade and part of the high choir. In 1880 remains believed to be da Gama's were moved to a new tomb in the nave, just a few metres from the kings he served, Manuel I and João III — though later research found that the coffin moved in 1880 contained the bones of more than one person.
Source: Wikipedia: Jerónimos Monastery; Wikipedia: Vasco da Gama
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
The monastery stands near the point from which da Gama set out on his first voyage to India; work began in the early 16th century, funded by a tax on the profits of the annual fleets to India. It is the most outstanding example of Portuguese late-Gothic 'Manueline' architecture and later became the royal pantheon of the Aviz dynasty. In the great Lisbon earthquake of 1755, only the balustrade and part of the high choir were damaged. In 1880 remains believed to be those of da Gama and the poet Camões were moved to new tombs in the nave, beside those of Kings Manuel I and João III. It became a World Heritage Site in 1983 together with Belém Tower.
Local customs
- The church is free
- the cloister needs a ticket
- the church is still used for services, and visits are restricted during them
Religion & beliefs
- Originally a monastery of the Hieronymite order
- it passed to the state in 1833.
Etiquette
Etiquette & taboos
Rules that apply here
Portugal: starting a fire is illegal even if it's an accident
- Watch for warnings in the wildfire season (April–October) and call 112 if you see a fire
- Lighting fires in the countryside
Can be punished with a fine or prison.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Portugal travel advice
Albufeira, Portugal: code of conduct in public places
- Behave appropriately in public
- Behaving inappropriately in streets and squares
On-the-spot fines of €150–1,800.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Portugal travel advice
Portugal: don't go past cliff warnings
- Keep away from cliff edges and watch for falling rocks (especially in the Algarve)
- Ignoring warning signs and going near the cliff edge
The authorities can fine people who ignore warnings.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Portugal travel advice
Portugal: learn the beach flags
- When the yellow flag is up, only paddle at the water's edge
- Swim at beaches with lifeguards
- Going into the water when the red flag is up
A red flag means no swimming; take extra care on unstaffed beaches.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Portugal travel advice
Don’t DON'T
- Don't touch the stone carvings or tombs
- don't speak loudly in the church
- don't block the pavement and crossings while queuing
Locals appreciate DO
Lisboetas appreciate visitors who slow down in the cloister and look closely at its maritime carvings.
Plan your visit
Practical info
| Best time | At opening time or in the evening |
|---|---|
| Time needed | 1.5 hours |
Travel tips
- Belém Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries are within walking distance — good for a half day
- the nearby Pastéis de Belém shop often has long queues
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