Embassy of India, Lisbon, Portugal : Events/Photo Gallery

Events/Photo Gallery

President Droupadi Murmu Visits Historic Church of Santa Maria and Jerónimos Monastery

Posted on: April 14, 2024 | Back | Print

As part of her State Visit to Portugal, President Droupadi Murmu visited the iconic Church of Santa Maria de Belém, housed within the renowned Mosteiro dos Jerónimos—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a masterpiece of 16th-century Manueline architecture.

At this solemn occasion, President Murmu laid a wreath at the tomb of Luís Vaz de Camões, Portugal’s national poet and a towering figure of the Age of Discovery, whose works remain deeply revered in both Portuguese and global literary traditions.

Her Excellency was received by Ms. Manganida Botto, Director of the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, and Canon José Manuel dos Santos Ferreira, Prior of the Church of Santa Maria de Belém. She was formally escorted inside the church, where she paused in front of the poet’s tomb to pay her respects.

Following the ceremony, President Murmu was given a guided tour of the Church and cloister by the Director and the Prior. She was invited to sign the Book of Honour, marking her visit to this culturally and historically significant monument.

As the visit concluded, the President was given a ceremonial farewell, including a salute by the Commander and music by the mounted horse band of the National Republican Guard. She then departed for Palácio de Belém, escorted by the Guard's mounted squadron, continuing her engagements on this landmark visit to Portugal.