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Mosteiro dos Jeronimos

Several sites located in the surroundings of Lisbon have been added to the World Heritage List of UNESCO. One is Mosteiro dos Jeronimos or Jeronimos Monastery. It features the splendid Manueline style, known as such because it developed under the rule of Manuel I, with a fine blend of Moorish, Gothic and Renaissance architecture.

It is located in the tranquil seaside area of Belem. In the late 15th century famous naval commander Vasco da Gama started out on his voyage to India from Belem, and returned with many extremely valuable goods and treasures, which were used to fund construction of the monastery.

The monastery has six lofty columns, extending into a ceiling vault. This design closely resembles palm trees. The walls feature interesting engravings. The inner courtyard has fascinating sculptures of gargoyles and griffins. Vasco da Gama's remains are held here, as are those of other famous navigators.

The monastery was built at a time that Portugal enjoyed great prosperity. The nation had leading naval explorers and immense economic power. Before the monastery was constructed a picturesque church, Santa Maria de Belem, stood on its site. Manuel I himself ordered the monastery built to offer gratitude to the Virgin Mary and to honour Vasco da Gama's journey.

Jeronimos Monastery is a reflection of the great glory of Portugal. Its construction began in 1502. Famous architect Boytac designed the building, and Castilho and Torralva later continued the project. The monastery features splendid stonework with fish and other sea-related objects carved into the walls. This can be seen as an immense contribution and development of the specific skill.

The monastery is associated with Saint Jerome, and you will observe murals and frescoes of scenes from his life. There are statues of Prince Henry the Navigator and Our Lady of Belem. The guardian angel of Portugal, Archangel Gabriel, is shown high above the entrance. Other statues are those of Manual I, the patron of the monastery, his wife Queen Maria and John the Baptist. In the upper compartments there are sculptures displaying scenes of the birth of Jesus, and there are masterfully created figures of St. Vincent and Fernando, brother of Prince Henry. Beyond this area is the spectacular hall church, the centrepiece of the monastery. On the right and left are charming chapels, holding tombs of various members of the royal family. You should not miss the elegant choir stalls in carved wood.

You will realize that the government did not spare expenses on the construction of this magnificent monastery. It was built to keep cultural and religious traditions alive for evermore, and its founders have definitely succeeded in this enterprise, for the monastery is a touching reminder of Portugal's rich heritage.

The Manueline style succeeded the Gothic in that time of history, and with the construction of the monastery and other buildings it officially replaced previous architectural standards. It is typified by sculptural details with naval themes. The monastery marked five centuries since its completion in 2001 and celebrated a spectacular anniversary. It was damaged by an earthquake in 1755 but not ruined, and has been partially renovated.