{"id":11009,"date":"2018-08-31T09:00:14","date_gmt":"2018-08-31T13:00:14","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/snappingtheglobe.com\/?p=11009"},"modified":"2018-09-01T10:25:14","modified_gmt":"2018-09-01T14:25:14","slug":"mosteiro-dos-jeronimos","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/snappingtheglobe.com\/?p=11009","title":{"rendered":"Mosteiro dos Jeronimos"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u00a9 2018 Snapping the Globe, L.L.C. All rights reserved<\/i>.<\/p>\n

During my last visit to Lisbon, I made the journey to the coastal area of Bel\u00e9m.\u00a0 With so many things to see and do there, I was disappointed to realize that there wasn’t sufficient time in my short afternoon to visit all of the landmarks.\u00a0 During this trip, we were fortunate to be there for the Festival of the Mask, which takes place on the grounds of the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos.<\/p>\n

Staring at the beautiful building, I was mesmerized at its intricate facade and decided that this beautiful building would be first on the list of places to visit on my next trip.<\/p>\n

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\"\"One of the most decorative churches in Portugal, the monastery was built on the site of the church dedicated to Santa Maria de Bel\u00e9m on the harbor of Praia do Restelo.\u00a0 Monks of the military-religious Order of Christ resided here at the time and provided assistance to seafarers in transit.<\/p>\n

In 1495, Manuel I inaugurated the construction of the existing structure and the Hieronymites order of monks were chosen to reside in the complex, remaining there for over four centuries.\u00a0 The building of the time was already in disrepair when Vasco da Gama and his men spent the night in prayer there before departing on their Orient expedition in 1497.<\/p>\n

Construction of the monastery was initiated on January 6, 1501 and eventually took 100 years until its completion.\u00a0 As an overabundance of taxes were collected, architects’ plans grew until it reached the size, scale and style that you see today.\u00a0 The Manueline ornamentation in the cloisters incorporates maritime elements and objects discovered during naval expeditions, carved in limestone.\u00a0 The main chapel, the choir and the two stories of the monastery were completed in 1550, however thirty years later, construction was halted as funds were redirected to the Escorialin in Spain as Portugal and Spain united.<\/p>\n

After various parts of the monastery was completed in the 1600s (new portal, cloister door, house of the doorkeepers, staircase and a hall that was the entrance to the upper choir), the monastery became the burial place for the royal pantheon.<\/p>\n

Additional adornments were completed in the 1700s, including important paintings by artist Henrique Ferreira.\u00a0 After the earthquake of 1755, much of the artwork and treasures were transferred to the crown or lost and the structure was vacated.<\/p>\n

During the late 1800s, restorations began on the property, including the cloisters.\u00a0 The annex and facade of the church were altered dramatically and are what you see today.<\/p>\n

\"\"The Monastery of Jer\u00f3nimos is one of the most visited landmarks in Lisbon and tourists should be aware of long waits to enter…I had no idea.\u00a0 Fortunately, as I took my place in line, I was informed by a passerby that I could enter the Archaeological Museum next door, purchase my ticket there and skip the line.\u00a0 Of course, I was a bit skeptical…if I left my place in line and what I was told was inaccurate, it would be back to the end of the line again.\u00a0 Thankfully, they were correct.\u00a0 I waited for ten minutes, purchased my ticket and walked past everyone who had been in front of me and was still waiting in the warm afternoon temperatures.<\/p>\n

The monastery is truly magnificent, with its carvings of saints over its entryways and fine stone details…make sure to stop by the South Entrance which is truly magnificent.\u00a0 Once inside, the two level cloister is a sight to behold with pinnacles, gargoyles and other decorative features and long, architectural corridors.<\/p>\n

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The interior gardens offer a mixture of the Manuelino, European, Moorish and Eastern styles, symbols of the Portuguese empire and its power throughout the world.\u00a0 Certainly a place to take your time, admire the architecture and spend a bit of time in reflection on one of the many alcoves on the upper level.\u00a0 Pay particular attention to all of the different carvings on each of the columns…faces, rosettes, dates.<\/p>\n

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\"\"You will also encounter\u00a0 some of the remains of important figures in Portuguese history, including presidents\u00a0Te\u00f3filo Braga and Oscar Carmona, playwright, Almeida Garrett and modern poet Fernando Pessoa.<\/p>\n

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\"\"The Church of Santa Maria de Bel\u00e9m, in the monastery, does not need a ticket to enter and is truly the highlight of the monastery.\u00a0 Access to the upper level choir loft is from the monastery, so be sure not to miss it.\u00a0 Take in the view of the church from above before heading downstairs.\u00a0 Of particular interest is the crucifix, the beautiful paintings and the carved choir seating all bathed in the subtle light streaming in from the rose window.<\/p>\n

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\"\"As I entered the church’s lower lever, my senses were truly overloaded as I was not sure where to set my gaze.\u00a0 Entering from the side portal, I first encountered the tombs of Vasco da Gama and Lu\u00eds de Cam\u00f5es which are located in the lower choir.\u00a0 These magnificent tombs, designed by sculptor Costa Mota can be admired from all angles and both offer extreme detail.\u00a0 The baptismal chapel is also located near the side doors as well as the exquisite Altar Dourado.\u00a0 Along the north wall are beautiful confessionals and large stained glass windows decorate the space, allowing alluring filtered light to enter.<\/p>\n

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Tomb of Vasco da Gama<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Tomb of Lu\u00eds de Cam\u00f5es<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Baptismal Chapel<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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Altar Dourado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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\"\"As I walked around the church and marveled at the amazing details that decorated every niche, every column and every arch, I encountered the remains of Cardinal-King Dom Henrique and the children of Manuel I as well as the tomb of King Sebasti\u00e3o and the descendants of King Jo\u00e3o III.<\/p>\n

Make sure to walk near the altar for a closer look at the beautifully painted walls and golden tabernacle.\u00a0 The golden organ is also located at the front of the church.<\/p>\n

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\"\"Overall, my visited lasted just over an hour and I was touched by the artistry and grandeur of this amazing place.<\/p>\n

When visiting Lisbon, make sure to head over to Belem to experience some of the most beautiful architecture in the city.\u00a0 Worth any amount of time you may have to spend in line, Jer\u00f3nimos Monastery is a masterpiece!<\/p>\n

For more pictures check out Facebook, Snapping the Globe and Instagram, @snappingtheglobe.<\/p>\n

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Monsteiro dos Jer\u00f3nimos<\/strong><\/p>\n