In the Lissabon quarter of Belém the vast Hieronymit Monastery, the Mosteiro Dos Jerónimos, covers an area of 300 metres. At one time its beautiful facade was situated close to the banks of the Tejo and it is no accident that the monastery was built in this location. King Manuel The First wanted the monastery to highlight the importance of religion for the sea-faring nation of Portugal at the beginning of the 16th century.

Henry The Sailor donated the tiny Maria Chapel that was the first structure within the actual monastery area. Together with his father, King João The First, he led a fleet of 200 ships to victory against the North African harbour town of Cueta. Portugal was a mighty sea power. Courageous voyages of discovery led to the development of trade on newly discovered continents and along with his loyal sailors the world famous discoverer, Vasco Da Gamma, prayed in the Maria Chapel of Henry The Sailor prior to his ocean-going adventures.

Ribbed Gothic vaults support the ceiling of the church that dates back to the 16th century. Coloured glass windows create a breathtaking spectacle of light. In addition to various important members of the Portuguese royal family and numerous religious leaders, it is also the final resting place of Vasco Da Gama.

The monastery’s richly decorated facade still shines out with all the glorious lustre of Portugal’s courageous seamen and their remarkable voyages of discovery.