Destination: PORTUGAL
Sights * Bairro Alto * Baixa and Rossio * Castelo de São Jorge y Olisipónia * Mosteiro dos Jerónimos * Museu Calouste Gulbenkian * Museu da Marinha * Museu Nacional do Azulejo * Padrão dos Descobrimentos * Parque das Nações * Praça do Comércio * Sé * Torre de Belém	Mosteiro dos Jerónimos The stunning architectural ensemble of the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos (Jerónimos Monastery), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands on the site of an earlier chapel, visited by Portuguese explorers before their great voyages. Building began on the present church in 1501 to celebrate Vasco da Gama's successful voyage to the Indies. It took almost 100 years to complete, by which time various architectural fashions had come and gone. The church and adjoining cloisters are a glorious mix of Gothic, Renaissance and Manueline styles. Pause first at the great south door. Its intricate carving includes the figure of Henry the Navigator; the west door, equally splendid, features Manuel I, who originally started the construction. The soaring interior contains the simple tomb of Vasco da Gama, a contrast to the surrounding riot of stone work. The two-story cloisters are equally elaborately carved, a wonderful combination of delicacy and weighty strength. Address: Praça do Império Phone: 21 362 0034 Hours: Tue.-Sun. 10-5 Restaurant: São Jerónimo Bus: 27, 28, 29, 43, 49, 51; tram 15 Metro: Train: Belém Boat: Belém Admission: more than €4	COUNTRY Portugal REGION CITIES Lisbon   Things To Know   Sights   Essential Info   Features Porto MAPS World Europe TRAVEL BOOK Book Info Order Online