Convent of the Capuchos
PRT
Originally built in 1560, the austere Capuchos Convent, hidden in the forests of Serra de Sintra National Park, served as a home for a small group of Franciscan monks who lived in tiny, almost hobbit-like quarters until the site was abandoned in 1834. It was also known as the Cork Convent because cork was used to insulate its walls.
The Capuchos Convent is part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cultural Landscape of Sintra, offering insight into the lives of the monks who lived there. Take a guided tour of the complex for a deeper historical understanding. An audio guide also provides context as you explore. Day trips from Lisbon to Sintra often tour the convent, as well as Pena Palace, Castle of the Moors, and Cabo da Roca.
The convent is a must-see for history buffs, spiritual travelers, and those looking for a serene escape from Lisbon.
Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces.
Due to the tight and restricted spaces within the convent, tours are not recommended for those suffering from claustrophobia.
The convent sits about 4.5 miles (7.3 kilometers) from the village of Sintra along a remote road. With no public transportation to the convent, you’ll either have to hire a taxi, drive, or join a guided tour from either Sintra or Lisbon.
Though it is located outside of Sintra, the convent grounds can still get busy during the high season (July and August), especially around midday. Plan to visit first thing in the morning during the spring or autumn if possible.
The convent’s most famous resident was Friar Honório, who spent 36 years in isolation before his death at age 95 in 1596. Lord Byron refers to the monk in his poem Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage. King Felipe I visited in 1581 and stated, “In all of my kingdoms, there are two things I have that greatly please me: El Escorial because it is so rich and the Convent of Santa Cruz because it is so poor.”
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