Monastery of the Hieronymites and Tower of Belém in Lisbon

The Monastery of the Hieronymites and the Tower of Belém are two connected buildings near the Tejo River, built during the Manueline period. The monastery displays carved stone details with maritime and natural themes, while the tower stands as a separate fortified structure with multiple levels.

King Manuel I commissioned both structures around 1501 to commemorate Portugal's successful trading routes and discoveries. The tower was later reinforced as a fortress, while the monastery served as a religious center for centuries.

The monastery served as both a spiritual center and a gathering place for ceremonies marking Portugal's maritime achievements and royal occasions. Visitors today can sense this dual purpose in how the spaces feel layered with both devotion and celebration.

The complex sits right by the water and is easily accessible on foot, with clear paths connecting both buildings. Visitors should expect uneven stone surfaces and wear sturdy shoes, especially if climbing the tower.

The tower features a stone carving of a rhinoceros, commemorating the first of these animals to arrive in Europe during the 1500s. This unusual creature in the stonework tells the story of Portugal's global trading connections and far-reaching contacts.