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Jerónimos Monastery, a Portuguese transliteration of the Monastery of St. Jerónimos, is a magnificent monastery located in the Belém district of Lisbon, Portugal. The monastery, a classic example of Manueline architecture, is one of Lisbon's most prominent historical sites. In 1983, the monastery and the nearby Belém Tower were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Construction began in 1502 and took 50 years, making it a testament to the pinnacle of Portuguese art.
Climate: Mediterranean climate. Mediterranean climate is a type of climate characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters, with alternating periods of heat and rain.
Best time to travel: All seasons
Recommended places to visit:
Belém Tower
The Belém Tower is one of Portugal's oldest buildings and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in Lisbon, Portugal, it stands on the north bank of the Tagus River and is one of the two famous towers on the shores of Belém.
The Belém Tower has witnessed the glorious history of Portugal. Its unique geographical location and architectural style attract tourists from all over the world every year. During the Age of Exploration, the Belém Tower was the starting point for navigators.
The Belém Tower was built between 1514 and 1520 during the reign of King Manuel I. In 1983, it was listed as a World Heritage Site.
Recommended play time: 1-3 hours
Regular ticket: 10 euros (Monday to Sunday, January 1st - September 30th)
Half-price ticket: Seniors over 65 years old; Family ticket (1 adult + at least 2 children under 18 years old); Youth Card and Student Card holders;
Free admission: children under 12 years old; visitors with a disability level of more than 60% and one companion (with proof);
10:00-17:30; Last admission: 17:00 (Monday to Sunday, October 1st - April 30th of the following year) 10:00-18:30; Last admission: 18:00 (Monday to Sunday, May 1st - September 30th)
Note: Closed on Mondays; January 1, Easter Sunday, May 1, June 13 and December 25.
The Jerónimos Monastery was built in the late 15th century and is a prime example of Manueline architecture, a Portuguese version of late Gothic style. It was originally commissioned by King Manuel I to honor Vasco da Gama’s successful voyage to India. The monastery served as the headquarters for the monks who provided spiritual support to sailors. Today, it stands as a symbol of Portugal’s Age of Exploration and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Jerónimos Monastery is located in the Belém district of Lisbon. It can be easily reached by tram (number 15 or 127), bus, or taxi from the city center. The closest metro station is "Belém," around a 10-minute walk away. It’s also a lovely area to explore on foot, with several other nearby attractions.
The monastery is typically open from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM, but it’s closed on Mondays. The best time to visit is in the morning when it’s less crowded, especially on weekdays. If visiting in the summer months, early mornings or later in the afternoon tend to be more peaceful.
The entrance fee for the monastery is approximately €10. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online through the official website for a slightly discounted price. There’s also a combined ticket option that includes access to nearby attractions like the Belém Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries.
It’s recommended to book tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons (spring and summer), to avoid long lines. Booking a few days ahead should be sufficient, but for high-season visits, booking a week in advance is better.
To fully explore the Jerónimos Monastery, including the church and the cloisters, allow about 1-1.5 hours. If you plan to visit the attached museum or spend more time admiring the architecture and history, it may take longer.
Guided tours are available in several languages, including English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese. Audio guides are also offered in multiple languages and provide an in-depth look at the history and significance of the monastery.
A good route is to first visit the Church of Santa Maria, where you can admire the altarpiece and Vasco da Gama’s tomb. Then, head to the cloisters for a peaceful walk around the garden and to admire the architecture. Don’t forget to visit the museum, which is located within the monastery, to learn more about Portugal’s maritime history.
Night visits or light shows are not available at Jerónimos Monastery. However, special tours may be offered during certain events or exhibitions. It’s worth checking the official website for any upcoming events or special openings.
Jerónimos Monastery can be crowded, particularly in the summer months and during holidays. To avoid the crowds, visit early in the morning, right after opening, or during weekdays. The least crowded times are typically from September to November.
The monastery has clean toilets and a small café where visitors can get refreshments. There are also souvenir shops offering various Portuguese-made items and cultural artifacts.
Yes, the monastery is accessible for elderly and disabled visitors, with ramps available for wheelchair access. Children will enjoy the visual splendor of the architecture, although the historical content may be more suitable for older children.
Both cash and cards are accepted at the monastery, and mobile payments (e.g., Apple Pay, Google Pay) are typically available in the gift shop and café.
There are vegetarian and vegan options at nearby cafés, especially at Pastéis de Belém. However, for halal food, you may need to visit restaurants further away from the monastery, as the area is not particularly known for halal options.
There are several souvenir shops within the monastery and around Belém. Popular items include Portuguese ceramics, handcrafted cork goods, and of course, custard tarts (from Pastéis de Belém).
After visiting the Jerónimos Monastery, you can easily continue your trip by taking the tram or bus to nearby attractions like Belém Tower or the MAAT museum. The tram also goes to the city center, allowing you to explore more of Lisbon.
