The Jeronimos Monastery is located in Belem, Lisbon in Portugal. The monastery represents one of the greatest achievements of the Manueline style. Since 1983 the Jeronimos Monastery has been listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
The construction of the monastery began in 1501 by order of King Manuel I who wanted so to celebrate the successful return of Vasco da Gama from India. Funds to finance the project came from the stiff tax on the Portuguese controlled spice trade with Africa and the East, also from all the treasures that were accumulated in the explorations of Africa, Asia and South America.
French Architect Diogo de Boitaca was hired by King Manuel I to design the monastery which he did, using a gold coloured limestone for its construction. Diogo de Boitaca was probably one of the first to launch the Manueline style of architecture. It’s a style that combines Flamboyant Gothic, Moorish and early Renaissance elements.
Jeronimos Monastery Timeline
In 1517 the Spaniard Joao de Castiliho continued Boitaca’s work, replacing the Manueline style with the new style of Plateresco, which is characterized by florid decorations. Castiliho also designed the south portal of the monastery and the cloisters. The south portal is the main entrance of the building where the statue of Henry the Navigator is displayed.
When the construction was half completed, in 1520, the King Manuel I died.
In 1550 another architect Diogo de Torralava completed the two storeys of the monastery as well as the main chapel and the choir.
In 1571 to the overall construction of the building added some Classical elements by Jerome de Rouen. Later, around 1600, the monastery design was combined with elements of Baroque and Renaissance styles.
In 1755 an earthquake almost destroyed the building, since then it has been restored a couple of times.
In 1833 the monastery became state property and was turned into a children’s charity organization. The organization existed until 1940.
In the Jeronimos Monastery you can find the tombs of many Portuguese royal family members such as King Manuel I, there are also many famous people from Portuguese history such as Vasco de Gama and the poets Herculano and Fernando Pessoa buried there.
The Monastery is open from May to September, Tuesday to Sunday 10am-6pm and from October to April, Tuesday to Sunday 10am-5pm. It’s closed Mondays.
Address:
Jeronimos Monastery
Praca do Imperio
Belem
Lisbon
Portugal
Tel: 21 362 0034
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