The Jerónimos Monastery, a jewel of Manueline architecture, was commissioned by King Manuel I to commemorate Vasco da Gama's voyage to India. Its construction began in 1501 on the site of an older church where sailors prayed before departing for new lands. The monastery served as a symbol of Portugal's maritime success and became a resting place for prominent figures like Vasco da Gama and Luís de Camões. Today, it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reflecting the grandeur of Portugal's Age of Discovery.