Jerónimos Monastery

The Jerónimos Monastery, located in the Belém district of Lisbon, is an emblematic monument of Portugal, representing not only an architectural masterpiece but also a symbol of the greatness of the era of Portuguese discoveries. Commissioned by King Manuel I in 1501, the monastery was built to celebrate Vasco da Gama’s return from his historic voyage to India, an event that marked the beginning of a new era of prosperity for Portugal. The architecture of the Jerónimos Monastery is a sublime example of Manueline style, a variant of late Portuguese Gothic characterized by elaborate decorations that mix maritime and naturalistic elements. This style is named after King Manuel I, under whose reign many of the country’s great architectural works were undertaken. The monastery was designed by architect Diogo de Boitaca and later expanded by João de Castilho, who integrated Renaissance and Plateresque elements.The façade of the Jerónimos Monastery, over 300 meters long, is a work of art in itself. Richly decorated with intricate sculptures, it depicts various saints, angels, and symbols related to navigation. The southern portal, a work by João de Castilho, is particularly impressive, with a wealth of details including figures of saints, coats of arms, and scenes from the life of Saint Jerome, the monastery’s patron saint.The interior of the Church of Santa Maria, an integral part of the monastery, is equally magnificent. The single nave, supported by slender columns that almost resemble stone threads, creates a sense of verticality and lightness. The vaulted ceiling, decorated with intertwined motifs, is a masterpiece of engineering and art. The richly decorated main altar and the side chapels, with their detailed sculptures, contribute to an atmosphere of sacredness and grandeur.One of the most significant elements of the Jerónimos Monastery is its cloister, considered one of the most beautiful in the world. This two-story cloister is a perfect example of Manueline art, with its intricate arches, decorated columns, and finely carved windows. The cloister was not only a place of prayer and reflection for the monks, but also a symbol of earthly paradise, a place of beauty and tranquility.In addition to its architectural beauty, the Jerónimos Monastery is also a place of great historical importance. Here lie the poet Luís de Camões, author of the epic “The Lusiads,” and Vasco da Gama, the great explorer. The tombs of these two illustrious figures are located at the entrance of the church, symbolizing the union between Portugal’s literary and maritime glory.Over the centuries, the Jerónimos Monastery has undergone various restoration and conservation interventions, especially after the 1755 earthquake that devastated much of Lisbon. Despite the damage, the monastery has been restored with great care, preserving its original integrity and beauty. Today, the Jerónimos Monastery is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and continues to be one of Lisbon’s main tourist attractions.An interesting anecdote concerns the origin of the monastery itself. It is said that King Manuel I, upon receiving news of Vasco da Gama’s return from India, decided to build a large monastery as a thanksgiving to the Virgin Mary. The choice of the site in Belém was not random: it was here that Vasco da Gama and his crew had spent the night in prayer before embarking on their historic journey.