See Portugal

Click on the pictures for a better view of this amazing place.

Yesterday, I went for the first time to Convento dos Capuchos, and I was completely amazed. This is one of the most interesting, inspirational, and special places I have been in a while. Portugal never fails to amaze me with it’s cultural treasures. If you are in Lisbon, visit Sintra of course, but take an hour and stop along the way and see Convento dos Capuchos. Notice in the pictures how they used cork to insulate the walls. The rooms are cut into the rocks, making it feel like a cave. So simple and so peaceful. A must see for anyone in and around Lisbon.

This little monastery, constructed amid the rocks of Sintra in fulfilment of a vow by Dom Álvaro de Castro (1560), its cells and dependencies lined with cork, is a wonderful example of Christian austerity in its simplicity of decoration and meagre materials and space. The little chapel, the refectory, the living quarters, almost troglodyte in dimension, are cut into the crags, and underline the intention of meditation inherent in the project. In the chapel are to be noted the altar with inlay work, some 17th Century frescos by André Reinoso and an 18th Century frontispiece of azulejos, the last named in the outer chapel.

Situated in the Serra de Sintra, 9 km from Old Quarter

Opening hours: Nov - April 9.30 - 18.00 / May - Oct 9.00 - 19.00Open daily

Admission Adults: 4 €Senior Citizens & 15 - 25 yr olds: DiscountGuided tours: 8 €