Jeronimos Monastery

 The Tomb of Vasco da Gama in Jerónimos Monastery commemorates the historic journey of the legendary Portuguese explorer to India. As the first European to reach India by sea and connect Europe to Asia, the tomb of Vasco da Gama was created in the chancel of the church. This ornate stone tomb adorned within the lower choir not only serves as a final resting place of Vasco da Gama but also invites you to delve into the life and achievements of this influential figure who shaped the place of Portugal on the world map

Do Checkout: Jeronimos Monastery Burials

Completed in the 19th century, the Chapter House is another attraction in Jerónimos Monastery that displays late Gothic architecture. Its magnetic allure lies in a vaulted ceiling embellished with 16th-century frescoes that depict the life of St. Jerome. In this centre of the attraction, you will find the tomb of Alexandre Herculano, surrounded by intricate carvings. The grandeur of the room is further enhanced by statues of St. Jerome and Archangel Michael at the entrance. 

 Confessionals are 12 attractive rooms in the monastery that are adorned with beautiful pillars, elaborate carvings, and stained-glass windows. These confession rooms showcase intricate Manueline designs, with black doors providing a sober foreground to the detailed surroundings. Designed for both priest and penitent, the confessionals create a serene atmosphere for reflection. The play of southern light through the stained-glass windows creates an intriguing and spiritually significant part of the Jerónimos Monastery

 Initially dedicated to Saint Leonard, the Baptismal Chapel in the monastery was later transformed in the 19th century with neo-Manueline designs. It offers an austere ambience through a baptismal font from the same era. Located on the left of the main Chapel, this attraction provides a unique contrast to the nearby gilded Chapel of Our Lord of Steps. The presence of the baptismal font and its neo-Manueline aesthetics contribute to the historical and religious significance of the chapel within the monastery.

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Poet and chronicler of the Age of Discovery, Luis de Camões (1527 – 1580) is entombed in the lower choir within the Church. He is regarded as one of the greatest Portuguese poets. His death anniversary, June 10, is also celebrated as Portugal’s National Day.

Completed in 1551, this room was used by the Hieronymite Monks as a substitute for the unfinished Chapter Room. It features huge, long windows that flood the space with light. At the entrance of the High Choir, above the balustrade, towers a magnificent silver statue of the crucified Christ.

The Church of Santa Maria de Belém is located inside the Jerominos Monastery. King Manuel I and Queen Maria's tombs are located inside the church. It is shaped like a Latin Cross and consists of three identical naves held up by six pillars. They support the church's elaborately tall vaulted ceiling. The church is one of the best examples of the Portuguese Gothic Manueline style. In addition to this, it features an amazing altar and lovely stained-glass windows. You can take in the peaceful atmosphere of the chapel by attending a mass.

Must Read: Jeronimos Monastery Facts 

The cloister's advanced design showcases rectangular columns and Castilho's Plateresque ornamentation. Richly adorned corner pillars feature motifs like the armillarium and coat-of-arms. Inside, Manueline motifs blend nautical, European, Moorish, and Eastern elements, adorning the walls with a fusion of Renaissance and Spanish architectural influences.

The Refectory was also completed by the first half of the 16th century during the reign of King Manuel I. Designed by Leonardo Vaz, it is classically Manueline with low vaulted ceilings. The lower walls of the Refectory are decorated with colorful azulejo tiles that depict the miracle of the bread and fish scenes in the New Testament and the scenes of the life of Joseph from the Old Testament.