A Monastery and Catle in Lisbon, Portugal

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Saint Jerome Monastery

No visit to Lisbon would be complete without seeing two of the oldest buildings still standing in the city. While they have served very different purposes, they both have interesting histories.

 

Mosteiro dos Jerónimos





Along the shore of the Tagus River, in the Belém neighborhood, is the former Mosteiro dos Jerónimos (Saint Jerome Monastery). The monastery sits on the site of a church dedicated to Santa Maria de Belém, where monks were available aid and minister to ships as they departed from or arrived to Lisbon. The monastery was built in the early 1500’s, along with a new church for Santa Maria, near the point of embarkation for Vaasco de Gama’s journey in 1498.

 


Praça do Imperio

Praça do Imperio

Monument to the Discoveries


The monastery was built in a style called Manueline, known for complex sculptural themes. It was designed by Diogo de Boiteca (1460-1527), under order of King Manuel I. Its inner courtyard is lined on both the ground and first floors with balconies the stretch the entire circumference of the yard. Each section of the balcony has carved and decorated arches.

 

 

 






The monastery and church had an interesting set-up for confessions. There were twelve confessional built into the wall between the two buildings. Brothers entered their side of the confessional through doors in the monastery, and congregants entered through doors in the church, thus guaranteeing almost complete anonymity.

 

Monastery entry to Confessionals
 


Church entry to Confessionals



Both buildings have also become the final resting place for several important people from Portugal’s past. Two kings are interred in the church, along with explorer Vasco de Gama and poet Luis de Camões. Novelist and Historian Alexandre Herculano is entombed in the monastery.

 

Tomb of Alexandre Herculano

 

 



Tomb of Luis de Camões


Tomb of Vasco de Gama


Castelo de São Jorge


 

Sitting at the top of the cliff that is home to the Alfama neighborhood is the Castelo de São Jorge (Saint George Castle). The area has fortifications that date back to Roman times, and the castle was built in the early 14th century. Over the many years, the castle was built out, with courtyards and outbuildings, overlooking the growing city of Lisbon. Not only was it the home for the king of Portugal, there was a residence for the local governor, and also a royal menagerie. 

 












By the 20th century the castle had been overrun by by newer buildings and annexes. In 1930, it was turned over to the national government, who had the more modern buildings removed, leaving the castle as it appeared in the late 18th century.




Nuts and Bolts


  • Saint Jerónimos Monastery is located at the Praça do Imperio in Belém. It is open Tue - Sun 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM. Entrance fees are € 22.90 adults/ € 12.90 seniors and youth.
  • Castelo de São Jorge is located at Rua de SAnta Cruz do Castelo. It is open every day from 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM. Tickets cost €17 Adults/ € 14 Seniors/ € 8.50 Youth
Location: Praça do Império 1400-206 Lisboa, 1400-206 Lisboa, Portugal

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