Jeronimos Monastery, Lisbon – Tour of a Different Era
We were in the Belem area of Lisbon; the very purpose was to visit Jeronimos Monastery! It is the resting place of Vasco da Gama, the first European to reach India by sea, linking Europe and Asia by ocean route. He accomplished his first voyage to India during 1497–1499.
Belem is Lisbon’s most monumental and historical area. It is 6kms west of Lisbon’s city center and well connected with trams and buses. We spent one morning touring and sightseeing in this area. The experience could have been richer had we spent a whole day here. There will be more pics on this place in another post.
History of Jeronimos Monastery
It was founded in 1501, which makes it 5 centuries old! Walking in to it was like walking into a different era. It is huge and as I walked in the space above and around me made me feel like a tiny little thing. Jeronimos Monastery was founded by King Manuel I. The construction was funded by successful Portuguese voyagers around the world then. This monastery was built as an expression of thanks and gratitude to Virgin Mary for Vasco da Gama’s successful voyage to India. The project took one whole century to complete. With changing times, different kinds of architectural styles were adopted. The monument has a unique look with mixed architectural styles.
Interiors of Jeronimos Monastery
I can’t dismiss off the interiors by just mentioning the word “Impressive”. The word hardly justifies the grandness inside. The arch and the pillars are covered with elaborate, fine and delicate manueline work. It is so lovely inside and very peaceful. They are strict about maintaining silence inside. Photography is permitted but without flash. It is dark inside and found it a little difficult to get good captures. The ceiling is majestic with rib like structure running in beautiful patterns. The columns are incredibly done. Did they twist them like ropes, I thought! I really enjoyed seeing the details.
Tomb of Vasco da Gama
Jeronimos monastery contains several tombs but here I have the most famous one, that of Vasco da Gama. Vasco da Gama has committed several atrocities in India, yet in his country he is the most celebrated explorer. If you are interested in history like me you can read more about him in this wiki link. Vasco da Gama in Malabar
Vasco da Gama is credited for Portugal’s success as an early colonizing power. His third voyage to India was final one. He got infected with malaria and died in Kochi, Kerala in 1524. He was buried in St. Francis Church, which was located at Fort Kochi in the city of Kochi initially. Later his remains were returned to Portugal in 1539. It is said the body of Vasco da Gama was re-interred in Vidigueira in a casket decorated with gold and jewels.
The tomb is placed at the left of entrance. It is made of marble; they carved the likeness of Vasco da Gama in a ‘praying hands’ position. The place is so crowded with tourists. We had to cooperate among ourselves so as to not enter the frame of photographers capturing the tomb.
Hi Indrani – thank you for dropping by my blog again. Thank you too for sharing this reminder of Vasco da Gama – I’d not heard the name since school days (and that was a LONG time ago) !!
This is great! I am a history buff, so, I would love to visit Vasco da Gama’s tomb.
WOW! That looks grand!
Europe is full of them.. I have pics of dozens of chappels and struggling to put a post about them
Fascinating pictures and information Indrani ji . Vasco De gama , I think was a resident of a village of Purtgal . But as you wrote Vasco da Gama has committed several atrocities in India, yet in his country he is the most celebrated explorer. This is the symbol of their respect to their Hero .
Nice photos and details! I do wish to visit here 🙂
How interesting! Vasco da Gama’s tomb! A treat for history lovers 🙂
It’s magnificent!
Great architecture 🙂 Loved the pictures.
A 100 years? Looks like it was all worth it. Look at those interiors — so grand!!
OMG you have taken me back to my travelling days. There are few places you cant imagine your life can give youa chance to visit but bless the bloggers for giving us such a beautiful virtual trip to these places.
and hello to you Indrani 🙂
https://50shadesofvanity.wordpress.com/2015/11/17/fallwinter-makeup-tutorial-grey-eyes-plum-lips-video/
Looks huge and beautiful !
Beautiful pics , architecture is wonderful
So enormous and yet distinctly warm and indoor-ish in its beauty
Truly marvelous
history and architecture always fascinate me too
Great captures as always !
Nice monastery, always makes it look good.
Wonderful photos , post
Lovely architecture.
Beautiful pictures.. and the fact that it took a century to complete this is quite interesting!
Very informative and incredible post with such grand pictures of magnificent architechture of the interiors of the Monastery.
Cool pics
This seems to ooze out sheer grandeur
Such beautiful pictures and observations. You make me want to travel again.
Lovely images all!
Amazing
Wow – so beautiful!
Lovely pictures, nicely captured. Vasco De Gama is a celebrity in India too. In school text books he is taught as “The Explorer who discovered India” as if India didn’t exist before that.
Anyhow, nice article. Thanks for sharing.
Awesome!
Very nice pics and informatory post.. 🙂
Fascinating pictures and info!
Your snaps speak of this place’s beauty–worth visiting if one was the travelling kind 🙁
Beautiful pics, would love to visit here.
The tomb looks impressive. Those pillars look beautiful.
Very beautiful interiors of monastery.
The ceiling is reminiscent of Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia, isn’t it? Your picture is too familiar. I believe I have been here too.
Worth a Thousand Words
It is beautiful … Thank you for sharing your travels.
These photos from inside the monastery are so soothing. Love your write up too,Indrani.
Beautiful capture as always, Indrani!! There is so much beauty in Lisbon and I’m so glad I was able to visit there when I lived in Europe years ago!! Thank you, as always, for sharing!! Have a wonderful new week!!