Envision this: King Manuel I, driven by a vision of Iberian rule, orders the construction of a monastery. He wants it to be the final resting place for his dynasty. This is the story of the Jerónimos Monastery.
The Jerónimos Monastery stands as a testament to Portugal’s golden age of discovery. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Construction began in 1501, commissioned by King Manuel I. It stands near the Tagus River in Belém. This location was near Vasco da Gama’s launch point for his first journey.
The monastery replaced a church dedicated to Santa Maria de Belém. Monks of the Order of Christ assisted seafarers there. The harbor offered safe anchorage for ships entering the Tagus.
King Manuel I sought permission from the Holy See to build the monastery. Vasco da Gama and his men prayed at the old church before their 1497 India expedition.
The Jerónimos Monastery’s construction took 100 years. It was funded by a tax on commerce from Africa and the Orient. This amounted to 70 kilograms of gold per year. Pepper, cinnamon and cloves taxes went directly to the Crown.
King Manuel I chose Hieronymite monks to occupy the monastery. They prayed for the King’s soul. They also provided spiritual help to navigators. The monks stayed for over four centuries until 1833. Religious orders were then dissolved.
The Jerónimos Monastery showcases Manueline architecture. This style features ornate details. These details include maritime elements and discoveries from naval expeditions. Limestone carvings display this unique style. Diogo de Boitaca pioneered this style. He drew the plans for the monastery. He used gold-colored limestone.
Juan de Castillo succeeded Boitaca around 1517. He shifted the style towards Spanish Plateresque. This style includes lavish decorations. Construction halted when King Manuel I died in 1521. Several sculptors contributed to the Jerónimos Monastery. Nicolau Chanterene added Renaissance themes. Diogo de Torralva resumed construction in 1550. He added the main chapel. Jérôme de Rouen added classical elements in 1571. Construction stopped in 1580 due to the union of Spain and Portugal. Funds were diverted to building the Escorial in Spain.
Philip of Spain made the Jerónimos Monastery a royal funerary monument in 1604. Only the royal family and monks could enter. In 1640, the monastery regained importance. It became a royal pantheon.
The Jerónimos Monastery withstood the 1755 Lisbon earthquake. Only the balustrade and part of the high choir were ruined. These were quickly repaired. In 1833, the monastery was secularized. It became a parochial church. Many artworks were lost.
Restoration began after 1860. Revivalist neo-Manueline elements were introduced. The tombs of Vasco da Gama and Luís de Camões were placed in the southern chapel in 1894.
Today, the Jerónimos Monastery symbolizes Portugal’s Age of Discovery. It stands alongside the Tower of Belém. It is a major tourist attraction. The Treaty of Lisbon was signed here in 2007.
Inside the Jerónimos Monastery, discover the tombs of Vasco da Gama and Luís de Camões. They are in the lower choir. The Maritime Museum is in the western wing. The Jerónimos Monastery remains an enduring symbol of Portugal’s rich history. It is a tribute to its Age of Discovery.