Jerónimos Monastery

The Basics

The Monastery of St. Jerome, aka Jeronimos Monastery, is deservedly one of Lisbon’s top highlights. A jewel in the sights-studded Belem district, the 16-century monastery remains a powerful symbol of Portugal’s might and wealth during its Age of Discovery. Vasco da Gama is interred here, eternally resting among massive columns, an impressive stone ceiling, and stunning Manueline cloisters.

Many Lisbon tours visit the monastery and discuss its Gothic architectural style as well as the history of Portugal’s Age of Discovery. Some tours focus on the popular neighborhood of Belem while others venture farther afield into other districts across the city. Lisbon’s hop-on hop-off sightseeing buses, which enable travelers to explore the city at their own pace, also stop at the monastery.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Monastery of St. Jerome is a must-visit for architecture and history lovers, and all first-time visitors to Lisbon.

• The complex also houses the Maritime Museum (Museu de Marinha) and the National Archeology Museum (Museu Nacional de Arqueología), both with separate entrance fees.

• The monastery offers tactile tours to the visually impaired. The church and lower cloister are accessible to those with reduced mobility.

How to Get There

The monastery stands proud in Lisbon’s waterfront district of Belem. Take tram 15 toward Alges or Belem and get off at the Jeronimos Monastery. You can also take the Cascais train line from Cais do Sodre to Belem station.

When to Get There

The Jeronimos Monastery is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 5:30pm from October to May and from 10am to 6:30pm from May to September. The monastery is closed on January 1, Easter Sunday, May 1, June 13, and December 25. Lisbon is quite crowded during the summer months, so consider visiting between October and June for a quieter experience.

Keeper of History

The Monastery of St. Jerome continues to be an important place in Lisbon history. Not only did the monastery see thousands of sailors off to the seas for more than four centuries. But it is also home to the tombs of explorer Vasco da Gama, literary great Fernando Pessoa, King Manuel, King Sebastiao, Romantic writer Alexandre Herculano, and venerated 16th-century poet Luís Vaz de Camões.

Ways to explore

Jerónimos Monastery shares its UNESCO status with the nearby Belém Tower (Torre de Belém), and most sightseeing tours combine the two sights. Architecture tours delve into the monastery’s Gothic architectural style. History tours hone in on Portugal’s Age of Discovery and visit the burial site of legendary Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama, whose tomb is in the church’s chancel. Many Lisbon tuk-tuk tours combine top city center sights with the monastery and the tower for a well-rounded overview of Portugal’s capital.

Accessibility

The monastery is partially wheelchair accessible. Loan wheelchairs are available at the entrance.

Age limits

None

What to pack

The cloisters are partially exposed to the elements, so bring sun protection or an umbrella depending on the weather.

What to wear

Wear modest clothing that covers the shoulders and knees to visit this place of worship.

Not allowed

Photos in prohibited sections of the monastery, food and drinks, loud noise

Amenities

Cloakroom, restrooms, gift shop, baby-changing facilities

Address

Jerónimos Monastery stands proud in Lisbon’s waterfront district of Belém. Hop-on hop-off sightseeing buses, which let you explore the city at your own pace, also stop at the monastery.

Driving

While there is no parking on-site at the monastery, a car park at Estacionamento Rua de Belém is a 2-minute walk away, and parking at Estacionamento CCB Emel is a 5-minute walk. Driving in Lisbon can be busy, and public transport is typically more convenient.

Public transportation

Take tram 15 toward Alges or Belém and get off at the Jerónimos Monastery stop. You can also take the Cascais train from Cais do Sodre to Belém station.

Best times to visit

Jerónimos Monastery tends to be busiest from 12pm, when most full-day Lisbon tours arrive in Belém. Visit around opening time—typically 10am—for a more peaceful experience.

Best days to visit

Monday and Tuesday tend to draw the fewest crowds.

Best months to visit

The monastery stays open an hour later from May through September, although this is the busiest time of year to visit Lisbon.

Special events

The religious celebration of the Santo António Festival takes place in mid-June, featuring parades and celebrations around Lisbon and Belém.