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Monastery of the Hieronymites and Tower of Belém in Lisbon

Lissabon, Portugal
14.09.2014

Located in the picturesque city of Lisbon, Portugal, the Hieronymuskloster and Turm von Belém are two iconic landmarks that showcase the rich history and cultural heritage of this charming European city.

The Hieronymuskloster, also known as the Jerónimos Monastery, is a stunning example of late Gothic Manueline architecture. Built in the 16th century, it was originally a monastery for the Hieronymite monks and has since been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The intricate details and ornate carvings on the facade of the monastery are a testament to the skilled craftsmanship of the time.

Inside, visitors can explore the impressive cloisters, adorned with delicate arches and columns, as well as the grand church with its impressive vaulted ceiling. The tombs of prominent figures such as explorer Vasco da Gama and poet Luís de Camões can also be found within the monastery, making it a significant site for Portuguese history and culture.

Next to the monastery stands the Turm von Belém, or Belém Tower, a defensive tower and symbol of Portugal's maritime power during the Age of Discovery. This fortified tower was built in the 16th century to protect the city from invaders and served as a departure point for many exploratory voyages. Its unique design, with a mix of Moorish and Gothic elements, makes it a popular subject for photographers and a must-see for tourists.

Visitors can climb to the top of the tower for breathtaking views of the Tagus River and the surrounding cityscape. Inside, there is a small museum where you can learn more about the history and significance of the tower.

Together, the Hieronymuskloster and Turm von Belém offer a glimpse into Portugal's past and the important role it played in shaping the world we know today. Whether you are a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply looking to immerse yourself in the beauty of Lisbon, these two landmarks are not to be missed.


Standing at the entrance to Lisbon harbour, the Monastery of the Hieronymites – construction of which began in 1502 – exemplifies Portuguese art at its best. 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 or Hieronymites Monastery (Portuguese: Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, IPA: [muʃˈtɐjɾu ðu(ʒ) ʒɨˈɾɔnimuʃ]) is a former monastery of the Order of Saint Jerome near the Tagus river in the parish of Belém, in the Lisbon Municipality, Portugal. It became the necropolis of the Portuguese royal dynasty of Aviz in the 16th century but was secularized on 28 December 1833 by state decree and its ownership transferred to the charitable institution, Real Casa Pia de Lisboa.The Jerónimos Monastery is one of the most prominent examples of the late Portuguese Gothic Manueline style of architecture in Lisbon. It was erected in the early 1500s near the launch point of Vasco da Gama's first journey, and its construction funded by a tax on the profits of the yearly Portuguese India Armadas. In 1880, da Gama's remains and those of the poet Luís de Camões (who celebrated da Gama's first voyage in his 1572 epic poem, The Lusiad), were moved to new carved tombs in the nave of the monastery's church, only a few meters away from the tombs of the kings Manuel I and John III, whom da Gama had served. In 1983, the Jerónimos Monastery was classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the nearby Tower of Belém.

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