Jeronimos Monastery Facts

Jeronimos Monastery is a great example of Portuguese Late Gothic Manueline architecture. This style appeared during the transition to the Renaissance.  The monastery has decorative panels on windows, arcades, and pillars that showcase detailed and expert craftsmanship. Designed by influential architects Diogo Boitac and João de Castilho, the entire facade of the monastery is covered with intricate carvings in limestone.  These rich visuals include nautical objects from the Age of Discoveries that create a symphony of complicated sculptural themes. 

Read More: Jeronimos Monastery History

The Jeronimos Monastery is among the seven wonders of Portugal due to its great cultural significance. This historic site also provides you an opportunity to visit the nearby Belem Tower, which was built between 1514 and 1520 A.D. Both Jerónimos Monastery and Belem Tower are in the Belem district in Lisbon, making it easy for you to see two of the seven wonders of Portugal in one visit. These wonders highlight the rich history and culture of the country.

Jeronimos Monastery holds a special dedication to the Virgin Mary.  Located in Belem, Portugal, it was built to ensure the safety of sailors who frequented the area.  People believed that the blessings of the Virgin Mary helped famous explorers like Vasco Da Gama on their voyages.  Therefore, construction began in 1496 on this magnificent monastery to honour and seek the protection of the Virgin Mary for sailors and travellers. 

This dedication to Mary shows the deep spiritual significance of Jeronimos Monastery and its connection to the maritime history of Portugal.

Also Read: Jeronimos Monastery Inside 

Also known as the Hieronymites Monastery, Jeronimos Monastery is named after a significant figure in Christian history called St. Jerome. He was a priest, theologian, and historian famous for translating the Bible into Latin, a version known as the Vulgate. The name of the monastery, “Jeronimo” comes from the Spanish version of Jerome’s name. His influence is deeply rooted in the history of the monastery as it honours his scholarly contributions to Christianity. The presence of St. Jerome's name in the monastery also highlights his importance and serves as a reminder of his legacy within the Christian faith.

Jeronimos Monastery was once the home of monks from the Order of Saint Jerome.  These monks had important duties, like leading spiritual discussions and praying for sailors, the King, and his family.  Even though this arrangement ended in 1833, the monastery still holds echoes of the quiet meditations, prayers, and spiritual practices of the monks. It is a place where you can feel the history of monks living in peaceful devotion that has been dedicated to their spiritual duties and the well-being of others. 

Jeronimos Monastery is one of the beautiful monuments that symbolises the Age of Discovery. Built during a time of great change in art, science, and technology, the monastery reflects the wealth and power of Portugal in the late 15th century.  After being inspired by the successful voyage of Vasco Da Gama to India, King Manuel I asked the pope for permission to build this grand monastery. The Manueline architecture of Jeronimos Monastery is a tribute to the era of exploration that showcases the important role of the country in world history. 

Do Read: Jeronimos Monastery Burials

Also known as Sala Thai, a Thai Pavillion is present in the Jeronimos Monastery. This pavilion was sent from Bangkok to honour 500 years of friendly relations between Portugal and Thailand. The pavilion is 22 feet high and decorated in red and gold.  Its roof has a unique design that looks like dragon scales, which is a common feature in Thai architecture.  This beautiful pavilion stands out among the Portuguese architecture of the monastery as it symbolizes the long-lasting friendship between the two countries. 

Read More: Jeronimos Monastery Burials

The Jeronimos Monastery was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. Along with the Belem Tower, this recognition highlights the historical and cultural importance of the monastery to Portugal. As a result, millions of tourists visit each year to admire its stunning architecture, beautiful spaces, and grand fountain.  The monastery was also declared a national monument of Portugal in 1907. It is one of the most visited landmarks in Lisbon, which makes it a must-see for travellers. 

The Jeronimos Monastery took more than 100 years to complete. Its construction began in 1501 and required the efforts of many sculptors and architects over a century. Despite the great earthquake of 1755 causing some changes, the monastery has stood strong for generations.  Its enduring architecture is considered one of the finest in the world. Funding for the monastery came from the treasures obtained from voyages to Asia, Africa, and South America. This long construction period and the resources used highlight the significant effort and investment involved in creating this magnificent structure.