Jerónimos Monastery

Jerónimos Monastery, also known as the Hieronymites Monastery, or Mosteiro dos Jerónimos in Portuguese, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Lisbon.

This stunning building took 100 years to build and it's no wonder once you experience the level of detail for yourself. I could have spent an entire day there, with my camera, photographing the stunning architecture.

The archways surrounding the inner courtyard look like something from a fairy tale.

While many monasteries are often simple and austere, the Jerónimos Monastery is truly a hidden gem. It's another example of ornate Manueline architecture found throughout Lisbon, with beautiful twisted columns and lace-like arches that line the inner cloisters. The monastery also marks the site where explorers prayed before embarking on their voyages, so it's fitting that the riches from their discoveries helped finance its construction.

Sunshine over the Cloisters

Truly impressive! I'm someone who can make quick work of churches and cathedrals, but I was captivated by the Jerónimos Monastery. I spent a long morning wandering and exploring. It makes for a great start to a day in Belem, especially convenient to the Monument to the Discoveries across the street.