Jeronimos Monastery Lisbon- Tickets and Visitor Guide
How to Visit the Jeronimos Monastery Lisbon – Location, Tickets & Tips
Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon is a historic monastery built in the 16th century. It’s famous for its beautiful Manueline architecture and is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The monastery is also referred to as the Hieronymites Monastery and is one of the most visited attractions in the whole of Lisbon, drawing visitors from around the world to admire its stonework, cloisters, and rich historical legacy.
Entry is included for free with the Lisboa Card, which also gives you unlimited access to public transport (buses, trams, metro, and trains to Sintra) and includes entry to 50+ attractions like São Jorge Castle and National Pantheon. You’ll also get discounts at selected shops and museums.
Prices start from just €31. See all benefits and book your Lisboa Card here.
Jerónimos Monastery – General Information |
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Location |
Praça do Império, 1400-206 Lisboa, Portugal. |
Opening Times |
Cloister: |
Entry and Tickets |
Jerónimos Monastery tickets cost €18 for adults. Children under 12 enter for free.
(Book Jeronimos Monastery tickets online) |
Lisboa Card |
Jerónimos Monastery is included with the Lisboa Card, along with access to over 50 other top Lisbon attractions and unlimited use of public transport (trams, buses, and metro). |
Jerónimos Monastery Tickets – Prices, Booking & Entry Access |
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How to Buy Tickets for Jerónimos Monastery in LisbonPlease note that this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of Lisbon’s most famous landmarks and regularly attracts large crowds, especially on weekends and during peak season. To ensure a smooth experience, we strongly recommend booking your tickets online in advance.
Book your Jerónimos Monastery tickets online Jerónimos Monastery Entry Ticket
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Visiting Jeronimos Monastery
We recommend setting aside around 2 hours to visit Jerónimos Monastery in full, as there is plenty to explore. Your entry ticket includes access to the cloisters, exhibition areas, and the Church of Santa Maria de Belém, where Vasco da Gama is buried. Information panels are available throughout the site to guide your visit.
Inside the monastery, eating, drinking and smoking are not allowed. Bags may be checked at the entrance and silence is generally expected within the cloisters and church areas. There are toilets available inside the monastery.
In terms of accessibility, it may be limited due to stairs and uneven stone surfaces. While the cloister level is partially accessible, the upper floor and some exhibits may be challenging for visitors with reduced mobility.
Jerónimos Monastery is a highlight of the Belém district and is generally combined with other nearby attractions on the same day:
- Belém Tower is just a 5-minute walk away along the river promenade. There’s usually a bundle ticket available to visit both landmarks at a reduced price, but unfortunately, Belém Tower is currently closed for renovations.
- Pastéis de Belém, the famous custard tart bakery, is only a few minutes away and perfect for a post-visit treat.
- Other nearby highlights are the Monument to the Discoveries and the MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology).
Tip – When to Visit Jerónimos Monastery? |
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Try to visit early in the day (right when it opens) to avoid crowds. Late afternoons can also be quieter, but keep in mind that the last entry is at 5:00PM. |
What to See at Jeronimos Monastery
The Jerónimos Monastery has plenty to see and do with a rich history and many fascinating stories about its construction and former inhabitants. Here’s what you definitely shouldn’t miss during your visit:
Church of Santa Maria
The centrepiece of the monastery is the Church of Santa Maria. There are lots of beautiful little altars and niches/enclaves around the church that showcase the church’s Manueline architecture.
For some excellent photographs, check out the beautifully hand-carved columns holding up the ceiling – truly exceptional workmanship.
Monastery Cloister
If there’s only one thing you do when visiting Jerónimos Monastery, make it the cloister. It’s our favourite part of the whole visit, and we really recommend taking the time to admire the place and the double arched windows.
The cloister is beautifully decorated with some fine detailing. Look out for the patterns and carved creatures on the upper section and try to spot the famous golden limestone parts that reflect in the sun.
Refectory
The refectory is the area where traditionally the monks in the monastery would sit and have their meals. It’s a lovely and peaceful spot, with wonderful tiling lining the walls.
The refectory area, especially the central grass section, is even more beautiful in the summer months and warm weather, with the added benefit of the shaded covered walkways framing the courtyard.
Chapter House
The chapter house was traditionally used as a meeting place for the monks, where important matters of the monastery were discussed. The room is enclosed by magnificent stained glass windows.
It continues the remarkable architectural beauty of the monastery, featuring stonework and decorative carvings in the same Manueline style as the rest of the complex.
Exhibition Rooms
The monastery also has a few exhibition rooms that add extra context to your visit. One of the highlights is a room dedicated to the naval history of Portugal, with lots of artefacts, maps, and letters from some of the country’s most famous explorers.
Another room houses a small treasury, showcasing a selection of gold, silverware, and historical jewellery.
History of Jeronimos Monastery
Jeronimos Monastery was originally commissioned by King Manuel I in the early 16th century, as a way to give thanks for the successful voyages of Vasco da Gama, a prominent Portuguese explorer.
The construction started in 1501 with the funding from a tax on profits from the spice trade, which grew quickly thanks to Portugal’s growing maritime empire.
It took about 100 years to complete, with various architects contributing over the decades. The monastery was home to monks of the Order of Saint Jerome (Hieronymites), who offered spiritual guidance to navigators and prayed for the soul of the king.
In 1983, the monastery was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognised for its architectural beauty and deep connection to Portugal’s Age of Discovery. Today, it stands as one of the country’s most iconic and visited landmarks.
Jeronimos Monastery Location and How to Get There
Jerónimos Monastery is located in the Belém neighbourhood of Lisbon, just west of the city centre. It’s easy to reach and ideal to visit alongside nearby attractions like Belém Tower, the Monument to the Discoveries, or the MAAT museum.
You can easily get to Jeronimos Monastery by tram, with Tram 15 being the most direct option. The closest tram stop is Praça Afonso de Albuquerque, which is just a 2 minute walk to the monastery.
With regards to buses, the Carris lines 714, 727, and 728 all stop directly outside the monastery.
There is no metro station nearby, but you can take the Cascais train line from Cais do Sodré and get off at Belém Station, it’s about a 10 minute walk from there.
Finally, all major Hop-On Hop-Off sightseeing buses in Lisbon stop directly outside Jerónimos Monastery, making it an easy and convenient stop if you’re exploring the city by tourist bus.
Jeronimos Monastery Lisbon: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jerónimos Monastery worth visiting?
Yes, Jerónimos Monastery is totally worth visiting. It’s one of Lisbon’s most iconic landmarks, known for its beautiful Manueline architecture and connection to Portugal’s Age of Discovery. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most visited attractions in Lisbon.
How long do you need to visit Jerónimos Monastery?
We recommend setting aside 2 hours approximately to visit the monastery in full, so you have enough time to explore the cloisters, church, exhibition rooms and the beautiful courtyard without feeling rushed.
Is Jerónimos Monastery included in the Lisboa Card?
Yes, entry to Jerónimos Monastery is included with the Lisboa Card, so it is a great option if you are staying in Lisbon for a few days and planning to visit multiple attractions.
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