Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, Belem, Lisbon

Mosteiro dos Jerónimos

Iberian Adventure:
Framing Lisbon's
Mosteiro dos Jerónimos
(Dispatch #6)
Story and photos by Tom Weber

Portuguese painting

ust up the street from Pastéis de Belém, a bakery famous for its mouth-watering egg custard tarts, and right across the way from the Tower of Belém, the ceremonial gateway into Lisbon's harbor, stands an over-the-top structure that exemplifies Portuguese art at its absolute best. It's the iconic Mosteiro dos Jerónimos (Monastery of the Hieronymites), and it's suitable for framing.

Laura of Insight Vacations

Gathered outside around Laura, Insight Vacations' (Insight) expert on all-things Lisboa, she gives us a quick primer on the history and style of the ornate monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The architecture is Manueline, a unique, Portuguese late-Gothic style named so after King Manuel I who commissioned and financed the 100-year building project that got underway in 1502.

the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos (Monastery of the Hieronymites)

The Monastery of the Hieronymites, with its elaborate sculptural details, many with a maritime motif, is the most impressive symbol of Portugal's power and wealth during its celebrated Age of Discovery, that period between the 15th and 17th centuries when the country defined globalization, thanks to its famed explorers who plotted faraway ocean routes to India, the Orient, Africa and South America.

exterior view of the Monastery of the Hieronymites

The history lesson over, I'm now on the clock – less than an hour to be exact – to take in this one-of-a-kind house of worship that serves as the final resting place for Vasco da Gama, the celebrated 15th century explorer who discovered the ocean route to India, along with numerous kings and queens. That's a tall order, but I am a member of the intrepid "band of merry media" – 29 travel scribes and photographers hand picked by Insight to experience a portion of its Iberian Adventure through Portugal and Spain – so, I'm up to the task.

Len's cap off, VAMOS!

the interior of the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos (Monastery of the Hieronymites)

For complete information on Insight's premium and luxury-escorted itineraries, including the Iberian Adventure and 112 other journeys throughout Europe, just click HERE, or call toll free 1-888-680-1241, or contact your travel agent.

the Cascais coast

Back on board the motor coach, reclined in our business-class legroom seats, Helder, our GQ-worthy driver, puts the sleek Insight galleon in gear and away we go. Where to? Oh, just the western-most point on continental Europe.

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Let Tom know what you think about his traveling adventure.

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Feedback for Destination Bosnia: Inside Sarajevo's Tunnel of Hope

Spent time in Sarajevo in the fall of 1973…beer was excellent!

--- David

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Hi Tom,

I must say, you're photographs are always amazing. They are top notch. You bring so much class to Traveling Boy. It's photographs like yours that make me want to go out and do my own traveling. Please don't get tired of sending us your amazing adventures. It's such a delight for the soul.

--- Raoul, Whittier, CA

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Hi Tom:

I'm also an American living in Italy. I've read with interest your blog and articles. I'd like to speak with you regarding residency and citizenship for Americans in Italy as you do seem to have a great deal of knowledge on all of these subjects. Would it be possible to give you a call on the phone? If so, please let me know how to reach you. If not, I can ask my questions via email.

Thank you!

--- David

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Hey Tom – Wow! Love those photos – they are so super that they make me A) Want to start eating NOW. B) Go there myself. C) See all that pristine beauty that looks so restful and peaceful. Great story, superb pix!!! Bravo!!

--- John, Los Angeles, CA

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Feedback for Destination Southwestern France: Saint-Émilion

Good job, Tom, and timely info. St. Émilion is in the list of places Jim Hayes and I will visit in September 2014. If we get the chance, we will exploit your experience to enhance the trip!

--- Bobby Harper, Dameron, MD

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Feedback for Vicenza Walks – Monte Berico

I lived in Vicenza for 4 years in the U.S. ARMY from 1963 to 1967. A wonderful place to explore. Palladio’s works are amazing. Have been back twice since and find new places to visit. My favorite is MONTE BERICO where I have some wonderful photos of my family.

--- Dr. Albert Pizzi, Hanover, MA

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I liked the new TB particularly the Vicenza article that took me back as a youth when we lived in Naples and travelled up there for a baseball tourney (U.S. Military Bases dependent schools played each other.)

Took me back to the plaza.

--- Bill

Feedback for A Canterbury Trail (Sutri)

Very interesting note. I have wedroned which route the early pre-Christian and Christian pilgrims travelled to Rome from England. Is it still possible to travel the Francigena trail?

--- Pawel

You can find out more info on walking tours of Via Francigena at this site: http://www.compagniadeicammini.it/en/. Thanks for stopping by and commenting..

Tom

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Good article, enjoyed reading it. Saved your recommended sights for future use.

--- Dardenne Prairie, MO

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You're going to be great at this Tom. Congrats.

--- Donna Vissa -Montreal

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