Tourism in Lisbon, its expression in museums, music and architecture, differs greatly from the rest of the world. At first, it displays features that please human senses, and then discovers new peculiarities worth admiring. A perfect example of the above mentioned is Jerónimos Monastery.
Some of the nearest tourist attractions are Balem Tower, Discoveries Monument, Berardo Museum, Tropical Garden, and so on.
This magnificent building, which stands facing River Tegus was built by king Manuel I in 1496. It was first meant to thank Virgin Mary for journeys made by Vasco de Gama to India. The tombs of Vasco de Gama and King Manuel are still located inside the monastery, which is another reason to add the place to your checklist.
The Monastery is very unique in architecture, the Manueline style is very typical of Portugal and can be seen not only here. It combines elements of several other styles as Renaissance, but stands out with its own personality.
The infamous earthquake of 1755 has damaged the monastery greatly, thankfully, many restoration projects have been carried out to help this historic sight recover the natural calamity. After the earthquake, it was used as a college for some time.
If you have a Lisboa Tourist Card, you can enter the building free of charge, if not, then you have to pay 6-13 Euros to see this beauty from inside. Different tickets may include access to different parts of the complex, so ask before you pay.
The monastery is on the list of UNESCO Heritage Sites, as it expresses the genius of Portuguese creativity and imagination in the best possible way.
Interestingly the monastery contains underground dungeons, where prisoners were held during different time periods of the country’s history. What’s more thrilling, you can walk down to these dungeons and explore the cells.
If you think the monastery could offer more, then go to the cloisters. They will present stone-art in such an impressive level that you would fall in love with Jerónimos Monastery. Moreover, stone carvings, which occupy the majority of the building are very exquisite and fantastic. It makes the monastery look like extremely fragile. The attention to detail paid by different masters is a proof of human mind and hard work.
Besides the main building you can also visit the Chapel of St. Jerome. If you want to get the best possible impression, try to visit the monastery when there are not many people inside (or better, let the building be empty). It will freak you out with its mystical atmosphere, but you will never ever forget that experience. It seems that ghosts have been haunting this sacred sight for years, waiting just for . . . you.
It is said that there was once a tradition for sailors to pray here for the last time and then set off for dangerous expeditions. Although you are on a similar expedition in Lisbon, don’t forget to pray here. This medieval building will stay in your mind for years and will remind you of magnificence of Portuguese art.
