When I visited Lisbon for the first time, with my parents in 2011, we wanted to visit the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos but ended up finding ourselves in front of closed doors.  Despite my regular visits to Lisbon and Belém in particular, it somehow never occured to me to give it another try.  Until now that is, and it was definitely worth the wait!  Built in the beginning of the 16th century by King Manuel I to celebrate the Portuguese discoveries, the monastery was afterwards donated to the Jerónimos monks.   With its national and religious Portuguese symbols, nautical motifs, exotic plants and animals carved in limestone, it’s a striking example of the Manueline style.  No wonder it has been classified as Unesco World heritage!  Despite it being winter, we were lucky to visit the monastery on a sunny day.  The light pouring through the cloisters casted mesmerizing shadows on the walls and floors, while it turned the columns of the church into colorful works of art, thanks to the stained glass windows.

Mosteiro dos Jerónimos - Praça do Império, Lisbon - website 

Curious for more must-visits in Lisbon?  Then have a look at my city guide, where I’ve collected no less than 90(!) tips for you, during the 5 months I lived in Lisbon and my many visits afterwards.  I promise you won’t be bored when visiting the Portuguese capital!

Flying is bad for the planet, so I compensated my flight's carbon footprint through Treecological. Consider turning your travel into trees as well and do the planet a favor!