Jerónimos Monastery

The monastery houses the tombs of several famous Portuguese monarchs, including King Manuel I. Its most visited attractions, however, are the elaborate marble tombs of the legendary explorer Vasco da Gama and the renowned poet Luís de Camões.

The monastery is the ultimate masterpiece of the Manueline style, a highly ornate Portuguese variation of Late Gothic architecture. This style incorporates maritime elements like ropes, coral, and astrolabes to celebrate Portugal's Age of Discovery.

King Manuel I funded the massive construction project starting in 1501 using a special tax on trade from India and the spice routes. Vasco da Gama's successful voyage to India directly provided the wealth needed to build it.

The sprawling monastery is located in the Belém district of Lisbon, right on the banks of the Tagus River. This specific location was chosen because it was the departure point for Vasco da Gama's 1497 expedition.