Our last port, although we didn't know it at the time, and last day in Lisbon. We decided to visit the Jeronimos Monastery which is located about 30 minutes away via streetcar.
I loved this picture of this Portuguese man waiting at the metro stop in the early hours.
The Jeronimos Monastery was built in 1459. Monks of the Order of Christ lived here and helped the poor in the area.
The entrance to the main Church and Cloister, the South portal.
The Monastery survived the 1755 Lisbon earthquake.
Note: While most people were at church on the morning of All Saints Day in 1755, an underwater earthquake occurred off the Portuguese coast. Felt as far away as Finland, and throughout Europe.
Two thirds of Lisbon was levelled. Fires started afterwards and the city was ablaze for 5 days.
If that wasn't tragic enough, 30 minutes after the initial earthquake, a resulting huge tsunami hit the city and blasted the waterfront. Estimations of 40,000-60,000 people died.
Sad to walk through the many people who ask for money or offer their wares for sale.
There are six, 25 meter high columns from floor to ceiling that are striking.
No disrespect, but these angels extended arms and hands don't look appropriate???
Is it just me??
The Nativity ready for Christmas Celebrations.
Before we left the Church, hundreds of children began filing in. The noise level increased very rapidly. I took this picture from the top of a full church, which we rarely get to see while touring.
Further into the Monastery we find the Cloister. I have to admit, I didn't really know what a cloister is. It is another name for the life of a monk in the enclosed religious orders.
The creative gargoyles....each very different and fun to photograph.
Dotted with motifs of European, Moorish and Eastern influences.
The well used by the Monks in times gone by.
Walking in the footsteps of monks of 500 years plus.
Children on a school outing. Playing at a fountain with many years of history.
Okay....what kind of bird is this? It is called a Muscovy Duck. Large ducks about 30 inches long and weigh up to 15 pounds. Usually found in South America or Mexico, some are now in Europe.
Looks like it may have been in the sun too long.
More custard tarts for the road.
Guess who else likes custard tarts....the sweet nun in the centre of a crowded pastry shop.
Good bye Lisbon....off for three days at sea and then England.
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