Church of Santa Maria de Belém

The Church of Santa María de Belém is part of the Jerónimos Monastery (Portuguese: mosteiro dos Jerónimos de Santa Maria de Belém), a former monastery of the Order of Saint Jerome located in the Belén neighborhood of Lisbon.
Designed in the Manueline style by architect Juan de Castillo, the monastery was commissioned by King Manuel I of Portugal to commemorate the fortunate return of Vasco da Gama from India. It was founded in 1501 on the enclave of the Hermida do Restelo, where Vasco de Gama and his men spent the night in prayer before leaving for India.

Most tourists only talk about the Mosteiro dos Jeronimus monastery. They have probably seen the fantastic pictures of the cloisters and now understandably want to have a picture like that. It was the same for me, but there was such a large crowd that I spontaneously went to this monastery church (Church of St. María of Belém) and what can I say - it's worth it. I can't understand why there hasn't been a highlight for this yet? What makes the trip so worth seeing:1. Entry to the church is free2. There are lots of (photo) motifs that are waiting to be discovered3. In the transept is the tomb of Vasco da Gama4. and with the money you save you can treat yourself to a few Natas 😋 (My recommendation - Manteigaria Fabricia de Pasteis de Nata. It's only a few steps away).The entrance to the church is the same "entrance area" as to the monastery. The entrance to both attractions is at the west portal (standing on the main street, looking at the two buildings, roughly in the middle). To the left is the monastery and to the right is the entrance to the church. Make sure you queue up properly. My tip - go there about 1/2 - 3/4 hour before mass. Then you won't have the whole church to visit, but there will be far fewer people around you who want to take exactly the same photo as you 😉🙂.Mosteiro dos Jerónimos - The entrance fee is €14. Tickets can be bought online or on site (directly opposite the monastery entrance and it is also signposted).Santa Maria de Belém - I found an entry on the internet that shorts and skirts are not allowed. I was allowed in wearing shorts that went above the knees.

Be sure to visit the church belonging to the monastery and don’t forget the sacristy