Jeronimos Monastery Inside

Jeronimos Monastery | See The Iconic Byzantine Art

Explore Jeronimos Monastery, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Portugal and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at the Manueline style also known as the Portuguese Late Gothic style in Jernimos Moastery’s interior. Its architecture displays the grandeur of this place with its exquisitely adorned vaulted ceilings. In addition to that, Jeronimos Monaestry’s architecture also reflects the royal and clerical commissions, narrating the story of the era of construction.  


The monastery is the last resting place of famous Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama and many other royal family members like Afonso de Portugal, Fernando Pessoa, and Dom Sebastian I. Inside the Jeronimos Monastery are various beautiful attractions like the Church of Santa Maria, Monument to the Discoveries, Cloisters, Tomb of Vasco da Gama, Chapter House, Refectory, South Portal and Library. 

What To See Inside Jeronimos Monastery?


Church of Santa Maria

The Church of Santa Maria has a breathtaking exterior crafted in Manueline-style architecture. The High Altar of the Church is designed in Mannerist-style architecture, a mix of sophisticated and complex styles. Its high-arched ceiling features delicate designs, supported by six pillars and separated into three parallel naves.


The rib vaults, pretty stained-glass windows and intricate stone carvings provide a magnificent view of the church. You can witness the royal tombs of King Manuel I and Queen Maria at the centre of the church. Other main highlights of the Church are grand arches and soaring ceilings.


Read More: History of Jeronimos Monastery

Cloisters

The cloisters in Jeronimos Monastery are one of Lisbon’s stunning sightseeing places. The marvellous stonework in the four-level cloisters is astonishing. It has two levels: the upper one is constructed in the Renaissance style, whereas the lower one is built in the Manueline style. The tomb of the famous poet Fernando Pessoa is also here. 


In the early 16th century, the architect Diogo de Boitaca started the construction of the cloisters, and João de Castilho completed it. It is encircled by elegant arches and columns made of white marble, which provide a relaxing atmosphere. 


Do Checkout: Facts About Jeronimos Monastery

Monument to the Discoveries

The Monument of the Discoveries comprises statues and represents a small sailing ship built by the Portuguese to explore the Atlantic Ocean. The sculptures are of Prince Henry, the navigator leading the ship and the great Portuguese explorers behind him. The place was constructed in the 20th century to honour Portugal's renowned explorers and their contribution to the nation's rise to power. 


The monuments of the Discoveries hold the rich history of extraordinary explorers from Pedro Álvares Cabral to Ferdinand Magellan. Additionally, you can also learn about one of the great explorers Vasco da Gama, who established new routes for both the nation and the rest of the globe. 


Do Read: Jeronimos Monastery Burials

Tomb of Vasco Da Gama

Vasco Da Gama (1468 - 1524), a great Portuguese explorer, was the first European to reach India through waterways. He was the one who connected Europe and Asia by an ocean route. One of the main reasons for building the monastery was his successful discovery of the ocean route to India in 1498. 


Earlier, his body was buried in St. Francis Church at Fort Kochi in Kerela, India. Later, after 400 years, his remains were returned to Portugal in 1539. You can pay tribute to Vasco Da Gama’s tomb in the Church’s lower choir and learn about his life by visiting Jeronimos Monastery inside.


Must Read: How to Reach Jeronimos Monastery

Refectory

The Refectory’s construction was completed in the early 16th century during the rule of King Manuel I. The architect Leonardo Vaz created it in the main style of the Manueline, which has a low vaulted ceiling with multiple ribs.


The room’s interior looks royal and grandeur with the carved wooden ceilings, azulejo (tiles) panels and beautiful stone arches. These walls portray the stories from the Bible, like the bread and fish miracles and Joseph's life. It was a historic dining area used by the monks.  


Must Read: Jeronimos Monastery Dress Code

Chapter House

The Chapter House of the Jeronimos Monastery is an astounding place, which used to be a meeting place. In the 15th century, the construction of the place was started, yet it was entirely completed in the 19th century. The room’s interior provides one of the finest representations of the late Gothic style, which looks magnificent. You can pay tribute to Alexandre Herculano’s tomb, which is positioned right in the centre of the room. 


The highlights are the vaulted ceilings, interior decorations, and the statues of St. Jerome and Archangel Michae. Additionally, it also has two huge windows with intricate carvings.

Library

Jeronimos Monastery is a treasure trove of ancient wisdom. The Library within is an ideal spot to explore the philosophies and teachings of monks from around the globe. Visitors can discover centuries-old books and manuscripts, including a rare edition of works by Camões, one of Portugal's greatest poets. The permanent exhibition "A Place in Time" in the Library highlights the monastery's historic significance to Portugal and the world over the centuries.

South Portal

Jeronimos Monastery’s South Portal exemplifies Manueline architecture. This stunning entrance features a 32-meter door designed by João de Castilho. It's a visual feast: elaborate stone carvings, nearly 40 statues, and figurines adorn the pillars flanking the door. Notable figures include Henry the Navigator, St. Jerome, Our Lady of The Three Kings, the twelve apostles, and the Archangel Michael.

Tips to Visit Jeronimos Monastery


  • You must have tickets to enter and explore Jeronimos Monastery inside. 


  • Plan your visit to the monastery in the late afternoon or early morning to avoid the large crowds. 


  • Dress appropriately when you visit the monastery and avoid shorts and sleeveless t-shirts. 


  • For people with reduced mobility, ramps wheelchairs, and elevators are provided on the premises.


  • Photography is allowed inside Jeronimos Monastery, make sure to turn off your flash.


  • You can enjoy refreshments at the café and buy souvenirs at the gift shop inside the monastery. 


  • Consider visiting the famous Lisbon attractions near the monastery such as the Belem Tower and Pastéis de Belém.

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FAQ's

What is inside Jeronimos Monastery?

Inside the Jeronimos Monastery include the Tomb of Vasco da Gama, The Church of Santa Maria, the Cloisters, and the Monument to the Discoveries. Moreover, you can visit the Refectory, Chapter House, Library, South Portal and Cloisters. 

Do Checkout: What to wear at Jeronimos Monastery

Can I take a tour inside Jeronimos Monastery?

Yes, you can take a tour of Jeronimos Monastery’s inside with a valid ticket. Moreover, you can admire things like marvellous architecture, stunning paintings and sculptures.

How big is Jeronimos Monastery?

The Jeronimos Monastery is spread over approximately 11,000 square meters, and you require at least 1 to 2 hours to explore the place. 

What are some must-see highlights inside Jeronimos Monastery?

Highlights of Jeronimos Monastery’s inside are the Refectory, Church of Santa Maria, Chapter House, South Portal, Monument to the Discoveries, Cloisters, Tomb of Vasco da Gama, and Library. 

Must Read: How to Get to Jeronimos Monastery

What are the opening hours to go inside Jeronimos Monastery?

The opening hours of Jeronimos Monastery differ from season to season. From October to April, the timings are from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM, and from May to September, the timings are from 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM.

Can I take pictures inside Jeronimos Monastery?

Yes, you can take pictures of Jeronimos Monastery, however, flash photography is prohibited. Additionally, the monastery prohibits heavy camera equipment including monopods, tripods and flashlights. 

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