What's inside Jerónimos Monastery : Cloisters, Chapels and other highlights

The Church of Santa Maria is a major highlight inside Jerónimos Monastery. It has a stunning exterior featuring Manueline-style architecture. The church was built in the 16th century but continues to amaze visitors with its intricate stone carvings, rib vaults, and pretty stained-glass windows. Visitors are also amazed at the grand arches, soaring ceilings, and other elements of the Church of Santa Maria.

Jerónimos Monastery's four-story cloisters are a sight for sore eyes! A symbol of Manueline architecture in Portugal, the cloisters are among Lisbon's greatest sightseeing treats. While Diogo de Boitaca started the cloisters' construction in the early 16th century, João de Castilho's work made the site what it is today. Surrounded by white marble columns and delicate arches, the cloisters create a relaxing experience for visitors.

Vasco da Gama was just one of several legendary Portuguese explorers. From Pedro Álvares Cabral to Ferdinand Magellan, the country has a history of producing great explorers who broke new ground for the country and the world. The Monument to the Discoveries, built in the 20th century, celebrates Portugal's great explorers and their contribution towards the country's rise to power. I

The Refectory is another site you can add to your Jerónimos Monastery itinerary. It is a historic dining hill that dates back to the 16th century and was used as a dining room for monks. Beautiful stone arches, carved wooden ceilings, and azulejo panels dominate the room's interior, giving it a grand and royal feel. Visitors can explore the Refectory in its entirety and learn about the monastery and its famed residents.

Chapterhouse's construction began in the 1500s, but it was fully completed only in the 19th century. The vaulted ceiling and interior decoration were added later and are among the main attractions of the room. 16th-century frescoes depicting scenes from the life of St. Jerome, including his study of the scriptures and journey to the desert, are equally magnetic, making visitors contemplative and dreamy.

Jerónimos Monastery is a gold mine of ancient knowledge. The Library inside the building is the perfect place to learn the philosophy and teachings of monks worldwide. Visitors will find centuries-old books and manuscripts, including a rare edition of Camões' works, one of Portugal's greatest poets. "A Place in Time", a permanent exhibition held in the Library, details the monastery's centuries-old history and importance to Portugal and the world.

Jerónimos Monastery’s South Portal is the torchbearer of Manueline architecture. The magnificent entrance boasts a 32-meter door designed by João de Castilho. It's a visual treat: carved-out ornate stoneworks, nearly 40 statues, and figurines embedded into pillars are on all sides of the door. Popular figurines include that of Henry the Navigator, St. Jerome, Our Lady of The Three Kings, the twelve apostles, and the statue of the Archangel Michael.

The Upper Choir inside the Church of Santa Maria provides a fantastic view of the nave and vaulting. Designed by Diogo de Torralva in 1550, the Upper Choir was where monks would spend time chanting and praying.

The Church of Santa Maria also has two transept chapels, the north chapel and the south chapel. They were built around 1587 by architect Jerónimo de Ruão to house tombs of the royal family.

On the left of the main entrance to the church is the Chapel of Senhor dos Passos. Peak through the iron grill to admire the 17th-century paneled wood carvings and craftsmanship dating back to the time when the Senhor dos Passos brotherhood was founded.