Tomb of Vasco da Gama

Vasco da Gama was born in Sines, probably in 1468, and died in India in December 1524, only three months into his term as viceroy of Portuguese India. He was the second son of Estêvão da Gama. His older brother was Paulo da Gama, who travelled with Vasco on the voyage to India of 1497-1499 and died almost at the end of the return journey at Terceira Island in the Azores.

The chronicles of this time tell us that Vasco da Gama was 'of medium stature, of knightly genius, daring for any grand or risky achievement, rough when giving his orders, strong enough to be feared in any dispute, hard working and inflexible in his punishment on behalf of justice'. Through their daring and fortitude, Vasco da Gama and his crew overcame the fury of the heavens, seas and land to write a new page in the history of the world.

Da Gama's remains were brought from India to the monastery of Nossa Senhora das Relíquias near the town of Vidigueira, where they remained for three centuries. In 1880 the remains of Vasco da Gama and the poet, Luís de Camões, were transferred to the Jerónimos Monastery. Their tombs, made by the sculptor Costa Mota are now in the lower choir of the Monastery's church. Vasco da Gama (on the left-hand side) and Luís de Camões (on the right-hand side) were the two most important representatives of this epic period in Portuguese history. They were given the honour of a final resting place amongst kings.