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 qualified areas of Lisbon, a historic and monumental setting along the Tagus River where the Belém Tower and the Centro Cultural de Belém have a strong presence. King Manuel I built it 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 leaving for India. It 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 was placed inside, as was the tomb of poet Luis de Camões, author of the epic The Lusiads in which he glorifies the triumphs of Vasco Da Gama and his compatriots. Also in the monastery, don´t miss the Archeology Museum as well as the surrounding Praça do Império (gardens and fountain).