Jerónimos Monastery Skip-the-Line Guided Tour

Skip the entry lines and explore Lisbon’s Jerónimos Monastery with a licensed guide on a 2-hour tour. You also get the option to upgrade and include a guided walking tour of Belém.

Getting started

Meet your guide and your group. After a brief introduction, your guide will validate your pre-booked tickets and lead you through security checks to begin your visit.

What to expect

Jerónimos Monastery Skip-the-Line Guided Tour

Step inside one of Portugal’s 7 Wonders, the Jerónimos Monastery, a 16th-century marvel and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known for its stunning Manueline architecture and deep connection to Portugal’s Age of Discovery, this landmark is a symbol of national pride and cultural legacy.

Features

• 16th-century cloister: Walk through the monastery’s cloister, renowned for its intricate stonework and symbolic maritime motifs reflecting Portugal’s seafaring history.

• Former monks’ refectory: Visit the refectory where monks once dined, featuring original azulejo tile panels and vaulted ceilings.

• Church of Santa Maria: Access the church, home to the tombs of Vasco da Gama and Luís de Camões, and admire its soaring columns and detailed altar (entry subject to mass and event schedules).

• Expert commentary: Your guide shares insights into the monastery’s construction, historical context, and the significance of its architectural details.

Jerónimos Monastery Skip-the-Line Guided Tour and Belem Walking Tour

Enhance your experience by extending your tour to include a guided walk through Belém, the historic riverside district of Lisbon. After exploring the monastery, follow your guide through charming streets packed with stories from Portugal’s golden age.

Features:

• Monument to the Discoveries: Learn about Portugal’s legendary explorers and the country’s maritime past.

• Belém Tower (Exterior): Snap photos of this iconic fortress set on the banks of the Tagus River and hear about its former role in defending Lisbon.

• Cultural and historical context: Your guide shares engaging stories and local insights that connect Belém’s landmarks to Portugal’s heritage.

• Upgrades: Get a slice of local flavors. A short stroll takes you to the birthplace of custard tart, Pastéis de Belém. Enjoy a complimentary pastry and learn the secret recipe from the 19th century.

Note: Admission does not include the National Museum of Archaeology. Entry to the church is free but may be restricted during services or special events.

Jerónimos Monastery Skip-the-Line Guided Tour

Discover Jerónimos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Lisbon's most iconic landmarks, on this skip-the-line guided tour that includes Belém Tower, Monument to the Discoveries, and Pastéis de Belém. With an expert guide leading in English or German, you'll explore the monastery’s intricate stone carvings, hidden cloisters, library, and refectory. The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, providing skip-the-line access and a comprehensive overview of this 16th-century monument. Visitors can see Vasco da Gama's tomb and learn about the historical significance of Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon’s maritime history. Enjoy the convenience of audio guides available in multiple languages and explore Belém Tower and Monument to the Discoveries for an additional fee. The tour covers approximately 2 miles on foot, ensuring a comfortable pace suitable for all ages. With over 150 years of construction from 1493 to 1607, Jerónimos Monastery is not only a religious site but also a symbol of Portugal's Age of Discovery.

Explore Jerónimos Monastery

Your tour stops at Jerónimos Monastery where you'll uncover the rich history and architectural splendor of this 15th-century landmark. Built between 1493 and 1607, the monastery spans over 2 acres and features intricate Manueline architecture with ornate stone carvings depicting maritime themes and religious symbolism. Key highlights include the impressive church nave measuring 88 feet in length, the library housing thousands of ancient manuscripts, and the refectory adorned with stunning azulejos tiles. The tomb of Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama is a must-see, located within the monastery's cloisters. Visitors spend about an hour exploring these hidden corners, learning about the historical significance of Jerónimos Monastery as a testament to Portugal’s maritime achievements and religious devotion during the Age of Discovery.

Discover Belém Tower

Your tour continues at Belém Tower, where you'll explore this iconic 16th-century fortress located on the Tagus River. Completed in 1520 under King Manuel I, the tower stands 98 feet tall and measures 14 feet wide at its narrowest point. Visitors can admire the intricate Manueline-style architecture with maritime motifs such as ropes and anchors carved into the stone walls. The tour includes approximately 30 minutes here, allowing guests to climb to the top for panoramic views of Belém and the river. Unlike other towers in Portugal, Belém Tower was built specifically to protect Lisbon's harbor entrance during the Age of Discovery.

Visit Monument to the Discoveries

Your tour concludes at the Monument to the Discoveries, where you'll explore this impressive 1960s monument dedicated to Portugal’s maritime explorers. Standing 250 feet tall and featuring a caravel ship-shaped structure, the monument offers stunning views of Belém and the Tagus River from its observation deck. Visitors spend about 30 minutes here learning about the historical significance of Portuguese exploration during the Age of Discovery through interactive exhibits and detailed plaques. Unlike other monuments in Lisbon that focus on more recent history, this one uniquely celebrates Portugal’s maritime heritage.

Tour Highlights

• Skip-the-line entry at Jerónimos Monastery
• 2-hour guided tour with expert guide
• Audio guides available in English and German languages
• Explore hidden cloisters and library features
• See Vasco da Gama’s tomb within the monastery walls
• Upgrade to visit Belém Tower for panoramic views
• Optional Pastéis de Belém visit including samples of iconic custard tarts
• Comfortable pace suitable for all ages covering 2 miles on foot

Perfect for history enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and foodies, this skip-the-line guided tour provides an in-depth exploration of Lisbon’s maritime history through Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower, and the Monument to the Discoveries. The 2-hour format allows you to delve into the intricate details of Manueline architecture at Jerónimos Monastery, climb to the top of Belém Tower for stunning views, and uncover centuries of Portuguese exploration at the Monument to the Discoveries.