Jerónimos Monastery (Lisbon)
Masterpiece of Portuguese architecture from the 16th century, classified as a National Monument and inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list, the Jerónimos Monastery is located in one of the most prestigious areas of Lisbon — a historic and monumental setting along the Tagus River, where the Belém Tower and the Centro Cultural de Belém also stand prominently. King Manuel I ordered its construction in 1502 on the site of a hermitage founded by Prince Henry, where Vasco da Gama and his crew spent their last night in Portugal in prayer before departing for India. The monastery was built to commemorate Vasco da Gama’s voyage and to give thanks to the Virgin Mary for its success. Vasco da Gama’s tomb lies inside, alongside that of the poet Luís de Camões, author of the epic The Lusiads, which glorifies the triumphs of Vasco da Gama and his compatriots. Also within the monastery, don’t miss the Archaeology Museum, as well as the surrounding Praça do Império with its elegant gardens and fountain.