A Cloister of Stone and Sea Stories
Founded by King Manuel I in the early 16th century to celebrate Vasco da Gama’s voyage, the Jerónimos Monastery is the masterpiece of Portugal’s Manueline style — a maritime Gothic flowering of stone ropes, armillary spheres, coral motifs, and royal emblems.
Built with spice taxes and a nation’s maritime confidence, it welcomed the Hieronymite monks who prayed for sailors and monarchs.
Its church opens like a palm of light, with slender columns branching into a vaulted canopy; the two‑tier cloister is a dream of geometry and shadow, where time walks under arcades, and every capital whispers ships, saints, and swirling waves.
Here rest Vasco da Gama and Luís de Camões; nearby, Belém Tower and the river keep watch.
Centuries of earthquakes, restorations, and ceremonies have left the monastery both resilient and serene — a place to slow your step, read the carvings, and feel Lisbon breathe by the Tagus..
Jerónimos Monastery Visiting timetable
See the full schedule below (hours vary by season; church and cloister access may differ)
Jerónimos Monastery Closing Days
Closed on Mondays and select holidays; areas may close for services, conservation, or ceremonies
Where is Located
Praça do Império, 1400‑206 Lisboa, Portugal
How to Get to Jerónimos Monastery
Set in riverside Belém, the monastery is easy to reach by tram, train, bus, or a leisurely walk along the Tagus promenade.
By Train
Take the Cascais line train to Belém station and walk ~10 minutes. Tram 15E from central Lisbon also stops nearby (Mosteiro dos Jerónimos / Belém).
By Car
Driving is possible, with surface parking scattered around Belém. Spaces can be limited on sunny weekends — public transport is often simpler.
By Bus
City buses serve Belém frequently; check current routes and stops such as Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, Belém, or Altinho. Schedules may vary on holidays.
On Foot
From Belém Tower it’s a scenic 10–15‑minute walk past gardens, museums, and the river breeze. Don’t miss a detour for a warm Pastel de Belém 😊.
Highlights of Jerónimos Monastery
Wander the Manueline cloister, step into the luminous church of Santa Maria de Belém, and trace Portugal’s Age of Discoveries in stone.
Origins and Commission: Jerónimos and the Age of Discoveries
How King Manuel I, Vasco da Gama’s voyage, and the Hieronymites shaped Lisbon’s most iconic monastery....
Learn More →
Manueline Style: A Field Guide to Jerónimos Iconography
Decode ropes, armillary spheres, coral forms, and botanical capitals throughout Jerónimos’ Manueline vocabulary....
Learn More →Jerónimos Monastery
The Manueline Cloister
Two tiers of filigreed stone where light pools and shadows drift — look for maritime carvings, royal emblems, and the quiet rhythm of the arcade.
Church of Santa Maria de Belém
A forest of slender columns opens into a luminous nave. Here lie Vasco da Gama and Luís de Camões; the chancel holds royal tombs.
Refectory & Chapter House
Marvel at monumental azulejos and vaulted ceilings. These spaces echo the monastery’s daily rhythms — prayer, study, and simple meals shared in silence.
Curiosities about Jerónimos
Find quick answers about tickets, the cloister, church access, and the best ways to enjoy Belém’s river‑light and history.
Buy a ticket for Jerónimos Monastery
Visit Lisbon’s Manueline masterpiece — a serene cloister, a radiant church, and stories carved in stone.
Secure your time slot online for a relaxed, unhurried visit in Belém.