Visit the Monastery of the Hiéronymites in Lisbon: tickets, prices, schedules

Are you in the Belém district of Lisbon? Visit the Monastery of the Hiéronymites, a flagship attraction of the capital!

Located west of Lisbon, in the Belém district, visiting the Hiéronymites Monastery promises you a return to the 16th in time. The site was even listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1983 for its historical and architectural significance, and as one of the greatest examples of art and architecture in Portugal during the Great Discoveries.

Many important personalities of the rich past of Portugal are buried in the monastery, which makes it one of the most important buildings in the country. In particular, King Manuel I as well as other members of the Portuguese royalty, the explorer Vasco de Gama and several literary figures, such as the poets Herculano and Fernando Pessoa.

Today perfectly restored, visiting the Monastery of the Hiéronymites when passing to Lisbon is essential. Here is everything you need to know to visit the Monastery of the Hiéronymites in Lisbon!

History of the Hieronymous Monastery in Lisbon

The Monastery of the Hiéronymites dates from the beginning of the 16th century. It was built when King Manuel I asked the pope for permission to build it in order to thank the Virgin Mary for the smooth running of the trip to India of the great explorer Vasco de Gama.

Its construction began in 1501 on the location of a hermitage founded by Henri le Navigateur and where Vasco de Gama and his crew spent their last night in Lisbon and prayed before leaving for their historical journey. The Mosteiro dos Jerónimos was designed by the architect Diogo de Boitaca , which was responsible for the revolutionary Church of Jesus of Setúbal. As the project progressed, it was first replaced by Joao de Castilho of Spain, then by Joao de Castilho of Spain. Diogo de Torralva of Portugal and finally Jeronimo de Ruão (Jérôme de Rouen).

The Monastery of the Hironymites was inhabited by monks of the order of Saint-Jérôme, whose mission was to celebrate a daily mass for the sailors and for the soul of the king. These monks also had the task of confessing and giving spiritual advice to the intrepid sailors who were leaving for their journey from Belém, here in the heart of Lisbon.

Unfortunately, much of the monastery was decimated by the great earthquake of 1755, which damaged entire parts of the city. However, it was fortunately not completely destroyed and benefited from a number of restoration projects during the 250 years that lead us to today.

Following the dissolution of the monasteries in 1833, the building became the property of the state, after which it was used by the children’s charity from Lisbon to the Second World War. It is now open to the public and really deserves to be visited, both for its historical importance and its charming manuline architecture.

What to see and do at the Monastery of the Hiéronymites in Lisbon?

Many wonders are to be discovered if you visit the Monastery of the Hiéronymites in Lisbon:

The entrance

The main entrance of the monastery of the Hiéronymites is via the south gate, which was designed by João de Castilho . There, the central pillar (trumeau) is decorated with a statue of Henri the Navigator and other pillars inside the building are decorated with figurative sculptures, forming arches on three naves.

The cloister

Then take the west door to admire the cloister, whose work of the stone is even more impressive than that of the main church. The latter is on two floors and square shape of 55 meters side! You will notice that it is adorned, on almost all surfaces, with very elaborate sculptures in the manulin style.

The lower floor of the cloister, built by Diogo Boitaca, includes large arcades whose decoration is inspired by the Gothic style and the Renaissance. The upper floor was built by João de Castilho and has a very nice but much more sober style.

Moreover, if you visit the Monastery of the Hiéronymites, you can discover the tomb of Fernando Pessoa which has been in a corridor of the cloister since 1985. You can also see the tomb of the writer Alexandre Herculano in the cloister's room.

Saint Mary’s Church (Santa Maria)

This magnificent church holds in its midst the tombs of the four kings of the Beja branch of the Aviez House, as well as other members of the family. But the most beautiful remains to come: when you enter the church, do not miss the Western Gate, another treasure of the monastery, where among the many details that are hidden there, you can distinguish the king Dom Manuel I and Dona Maria kneeling in oraison, as well as Saint Vincent.

The blend of Manuelin art, Gothic style and Mannerist art for the Capela-mor (the main chapel), really gives this church a nameless originality. In the latter, we can discover paintings, representing scenes of the Passion, and a magnificent polychrome marble decoration.

Archaeological Museum

Located in the wing built in the 19th century, you can discover objects of different eras such as pottery, weapons, jewellery and stele.

If you come to visit the Monastery of the Hiéronymites in Lisbon and you venture into this part, you can also learn more about the different stages of Portuguese history.

Marine Museum

Located west of the Monastery, you can discover a large collection of boats from different ages.

How to go to the Monastery of the Hieronymous in Lisbon?

Just like Tour de Belém , you can come here:

• By bus: Numbers 727, 28, 729, 714 and 751

• In tram: With number 15

• By train: Get off at Belém stop from Cais do Sodré

• By car: If you opted for the car rental from the airport or you have come with your own vehicle, know that several paid parking lots are located near the Hieronymous Monastery. Do not hesitate to read our article “Cheap parking in Lisbon: where to park in Lisbon?» to help you.

Prices of the Monastery of the Hironymites

RATES

• Simple entrance: 10€
• Combined ticket (Tour de Belém + Monastère des Hiéronymites + Archaeological Museum): 12€

To know the possible reductions, go to the Official site of the Monastery of the Hironymites .

Good to know: The Monastery of the Hironymites is included in the Lisboa Card .

HORARI

• From October to May: Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 5:30pm (last admission at 5pm)
• From May to September: Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 6:30pm (last admission at 6pm)
• Closed : Mondays, 1 January, Easter Sunday, 1 May and 25 December