The Jerónimos Monastery is inscribed on the World Heritage List of UNESCO, it is regarded by many as “The Monument”, of Portuguese monuments.
It´s located in one of the most emblematic areas of Lisbon, in a historical and monumental setting – along the river Tagus. Between the Monastery of Jerónimos and the river you can also find the Empire square. It was from here that the Portuguese navigators departed. Nearby you will also find Belém Tower and the Discoveries Monument.
Commissioned by the King Manuel I, after Vasco da Gama returned from his trip to India, it was largely financed by the profits from the spice trade. Its decorative elements are full of symbols of the art of navigation, of exotic plants and animal sculptures.
In fact, this edification represents, more than any other, the romantic spirit and a key piece in the comprehension of the Portuguese soul.
Being the most powerful representation of the spirit of the Portuguese navigators, it is common foreign visitors fall in love by this Monastery.
A surprising monumental interior take us to another world and time. The vast interior with its sparse light and intricate forms of stonework gives us the impression of being in an huge cave. The sensation of infinity is overwhelming and the world seems enormous and with so much to discover…
It is here that you can find Vasco da Gama and Luís de Camões, the maximum representatives of the Portuguese maritime discoveries.
This masterpiece was later connected to another extraordinary Portuguese poet – Fernando Pessoa. Inspired by the simbolism of the Monastery, he wrote one of his best known works – The Message. Today, the final adress of this great poet – the Jeronimos Monastery, was adopted as one of the symbols of the nation.
