Background
Standing at the entrance to Lisbon harbour, the Monastery of the Hieronymites, begun in 1502, exemplifies Portuguese art at its best. UNESCO says the nearby Tower of Belém, built to commemorate Vasco da Gama's expedition, is a reminder of the great maritime discoveries that laid the foundations of the modern world.
The Jerónimos Monastery was funded by a tax on the profits of the India fleets and became the necropolis of the Aviz dynasty; the tombs of Vasco da Gama and the poet Camões were moved into the church in 1880. It stands near the point from which da Gama's first voyage set out.
- 1495Manuel I orders a monastery as the Aviz resting place
- 1497Vasco da Gama's men pray at the old hermitage before sailing
- 1502Work begins on the Jerónimos Monastery
- 1833The monastery is secularised
- 1880Da Gama and Camões are reburied in the church
- 1983Inscribed as World Heritage
Find Your Way Around
The main parts of the site, in the order most visitors see them
- 1Jerónimos MonasteryThe Manueline cloisters and the church with da Gama's tomb.
- 2Tower of BelémThe fortified tower on the river.
- 3Padrão dos DescobrimentosThe monument to the discoveries on the waterfront.
- 4Pastéis de BelémThe original custard tart, between the two sights.
- 5MAAT and the RiversideThe riverside walk and the art museum.
Know Before You Go
From Wikivoyage and the GoGo guides
Belém
From the GoGo Lisbon guide · Open the Lisbon Guide ›
- 09:30See the Manueline Cloisters of Jerónimos90 minThe monastery.
- 11:15Taste the Original Custard Tart30 minPastéis de Belém.
- 12:00Walk Out to the Tower of Belém1 hrThe tower on the river.
- 14:00Riverside Belém and MAAT1 hrThe waterfront.
- 16:30Browse the LX Factory Creative Quarter90 minUnder the bridge.
Best Time to Visit
Best months: Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov.
Typical highs
Climate: NASA POWER
Pair It With
Other World Heritage sites nearby, by distance
