Jeronimos Monastery Lisbon- Tickets and Guide
Jeronimos Monastery Lisbon- Tickets and Guide
Tourist Information for Visiting Jeronimos Monastery Lisbon Portugal
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.
Jeronimos Monastery General Information |
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Location |
Praça do Império 1400-206 Lisboa, Portugal. Near Belém station (10 mins walk) |
Opening Times |
10:00 AM – 6:30 PM (Tuesday to Sunday) |
Entry and Tickets |
Jerónimos Monastery tickets: €12 for adults, children under 12 FREE (Book Tickets Online) |
Jeronimos Monastery Tickets and Tours |
How to Buy Tickets to Jeronimos Monastery Tickets to Jeronimos can be purchased at the Monastery or pre-booked online. The wait times and queues can get long during busy periods (summer and weekends), so it is recommended to book online.
If you’re also planning on visiting Belem Tower it’s worth checking out the Belem Bundle, which includes access to both attractions, with audio guide, at a discounted rate! (Book Bundle Here) Book Entry Ticket:Book Belem Bundle Ticket: |
Visiting Jeronimos Monastery
The monastery is very easy to spot as soon as you enter the district of Belem and the exterior is stunning – made of intricate carved stone.
There is a lot to see and do when visiting the Monastery and I would recommend putting aside at least 2 hours for the visit.
It is good idea to combine a trip to the monastery with some of the other main attractions that you’ll find in Belem. The monastery is literally 5 minutes walk away from Belem Tower, and if you fancy trying the best Pastel de nata in Lisbon, the famous Pasteis de Belem is also within walking distance.
What to See at Jeronimos Monastery
The Monastery has plenty to see and do with a rich history and many fascinating stories about its construction and inhabitants. Here is what you should definitely not miss when visiting Jeronimos Monastery:
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 really emphasise 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 is only one thing you do when visiting Jeronimos Monastery make sure it is visiting the cloister. It’s my favourite part of the whole visit and you should spare some time to admire the cloister and the double arched windows.
The cloister is beautifully decorated with some seriously 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 continues the remarkable architectural beauty of the monastery, with more stonework and detailed carvings.
The room was used as a meeting place for monks and is enclosed by magnificent stained glass windows.
Exhibition Rooms
The monastery also has a few exhibition rooms which include a room dedicated to the naval history of Portugal (lots of artefacts and letters from some of Portugal’s most famous explorers), as well as a treasury room showcasing gold, silverware, and jewellery.
A 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 and took about a century to complete.
Historically, the monastery housed monks of the Order of Saint Jerome (Hieronymites), who prayed for the king and provided spiritual guidance to sailors and navigators during the Age of Discovery, hence the name ‘Jerónimos‘.
In 1983, the monastery was classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site, cementing its place as a significant historical and cultural landmark.
Jeronimos Monastery Location and How to Get There
Jeronimos Monastery is located in central Lisbon, in the district of Belem, making it convenient to visit alongside a large number of Lisbon’s top attractions.
You can easily get to Jeronimos Monastery by taking the tram. The closest tram stop is Praça Afonso de Albuquerque (with Tram 15 stopping here), which is then just a 2 minute walk to the monastery.
With regards to buses, you can take any of the following Carris buses (714, 727, 728), with the bus stop directly outside the monastery.
There is no metro stops too close to Jeronimos Monastery, but you can take the train and get off at Belem main station.
The Hop On Hop Off tourist bus also stops outside Jeronimos Monastery, and is a convenient way to travel around Lisbon.
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