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The hidden gem in Sintra; Discover the ancient Convent of the Capuchos
Sintra is known for its colourful palaces and stunning castles, but hidden in the Sintra Mountains lies a different kind of wonder: the Convent of the Capuchos.
This hidden gem in the Sintra Mountains has a very different history but is just as fascinating! The former convent is entirely made from natural materials such as stone, rock, and moss—no chandeliers here!
Convento dos Capuchos is a quiet place amongst the trees and one of my favourite sights in Sintra. It is so different, and a lot quieter than the famous sights!
If you love nature, discovering off-the-beaten-path Sintra experiences, and history, you’ll love it here! Ready to explore this hidden gem? In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know—history, insider tips, and the best ways to get there!
Visit a hidden gem in Sinta: Convent of the Capuchos
What is the Convent of the Capuchos? A little bit of history!
The Convent of the Capuchos, also known as the Convento da Santa Cruz da Serra da Sintra and the Convent of Cork, is a unique and historic monastery located in the municipality of Sintra. It’s situated within the dense forests of the Sintra Mountains, and it was founded in 1560 by Dom Álvaro de Castro. He was a nobleman and advisor to King Sebastian of Portugal.
Convento dos Capuchos was established as a monastic retreat for Franciscan friars who sought a life of extreme austerity, simplicity, and solitude in the Sintra hills. This sight is the absolute opposite of the fancy palaces you may have seen in Sintra!
The Franciscan friars who inhabited the Convent of the Friars Minor Capuchin were known as the “Friars of the Cork” due to the extensive use of cork in the monastery’s construction. Friar Honório de Santa Maria was one of the most notable friars of the convent.
Legend says he lived in complete isolation in a small cave for 15 years, living off water and bread. He died in 1596, well into his 90s, and is buried on the grounds of the Convent of the Capuchos.
Convent of the Capuchos Colares Portugal today
The Capuchos Convent significantly influenced Portugal’s cultural landscape and religious history. Over the years, Convento dos Capuchos served as a refuge for monks seeking solitude and contemplation. Many important figures from Portuguese history, including King Dom João III and King Dom Afonso VI, visited the convent and sought spiritual solace within its walls.
In 1834, the convent was abandoned due to the abolition of Religious Orders in Portugal. Today, the Convent of the Capuchos is open to the public and serves as a historical and cultural attraction in Sintra.
It was acquired by the Portuguese state in 1949, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995, and is currently under the management of Parques de Sintra.
What will you see at the Convent of the Capuchos?
What makes the Convent of the Capuchos genuinely unique is its small size and humble appearance. It was intentionally built to blend in with the surrounding natural environment, and its architecture reflects the Franciscan ideals of poverty and simplicity.
The convent’s finishing and decorative materials are primarily cork, stone, and wood, and it has tiny cells and narrow passageways.
The small rooms, corridors, and chapels are a bit claustrophobic for walking through. Inside Convento dos Capuchos, you’ll discover a small chapel, a refectory, washrooms, a library and a dormitory, all incredibly modest in scale. So, if you’re tall, be aware! Can you imagine what it was like to live here for the religious community?
The convent’s design and construction strongly connect to nature and the surrounding vegetation. Moss-covered walls, tree roots integrated into the structure, and enormous granite boulders are some striking features that harmoniously blend manufactured and natural elements.
The use of cork, in particular, serves as insulation, providing a peaceful and quiet atmosphere within the monastery. After visiting the former cloister, you can explore the grounds surrounding Convento dos Capuchos. Here, you can find the Courtyard of the Crosses, the Cave of Friar Honório and the gardens.
Sintra Convent of the Capuchos Opening times
The Convent of the Capuchos is open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM. The last ticket and last admission are at 5 PM. The monastery can be visited in 1 to 1.5 hours.
Ticket prices for the Convent of the Capuchos Sintra
Tickets for adults cost € 11,00, and kids under six can visit Convento dos Capuchos for free. You can book these tickets online and make your reservation below. If you travel with children between the ages of 6 and 17 or over 65, a ticket costs € 9,00 and can only be bought at the convent. Family tickets (two adults, two children) are available for € 29,00.
🌟 Reserve your tickets for the Convent of the Capuchos online
How to get to the Convent of the Capuchos in Sintra
With public transport?
There is currently no bus service to the Convent of the Capuchos, so the easiest way to get there is by car. There are currently no tours to the monastery, but some private tour companies can accommodate a visit.
🚗 Book a private tour in Sintra to include the Convent of the Capuchos
You can also take a taxi from Lisbon, Cascais or Sintra town. Uber is usually cheaper than a regular taxi, and Bolt is often more affordable than Uber. It’s the quickest way to Convento dos Capuchos if you don’t have a car.
How to get to the Convent of the Capuchos by car?
Normally, I would advise against renting a car in Sintra, but a car will be very convenient if you want to explore the area around Colares, the Sintra hills, and the Sanctuary of Peninha.
We always rent a car with DiscoverCars, and it’s very easy to reach the Convent of the Capuchos. From the town of Sintra, head west on the N247 road towards Colares. Follow the signs to the Convento dos Capuchos on the N375, and you will reach the parking area near the convent’s entrance.
Parking is free. Please note that the road leading to the convent can be narrow and winding. The journey takes approximately 25 minutes from Sintra town, and it’s just over 16 kilometres. It’s a 30-minute drive from Cascais, and from Lisbon, it takes around 50 minutes via the A5 or A16.
With a car, you can discover many more places in the area! Visit Azenhas do Mar, for example, or go hiking around Praia da Ursa, a spectacular beach on the Portuguese coast. Other beautiful and easily accessible beaches in the area are Praia da Adraga, Praia Grande, and Praia das Maçãs.
There are some stunning places to stay overnight, such as Villa Maçã and Casal Santa Virginia! By car, you’ll discover a part of Sintra that many tourists won’t see.
Other things to do in Sintra
Sintra is most and foremost famous for its stunning palaces. And if you haven’t been to Pena Palace, the Moorish Castle, Quinta da Regaleira, Sintra National Palace, or Biester Palace, then it’s time to visit! Sintra is one of the most visited areas outside of Lisbon, and it can get jam-packed here.
Whether you want to see a palace independently or on a tour, prebooking your tickets is a must during the high season. You’ll receive an assigned time slot for Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira, so everyone gets to enjoy Sintra’s highlights. Discover the best Sintra day trips from Lisbon, and enjoy this fantastic place near Lisbon!
Staying overnight in Sintra
Many people visit Sintra for a day, but staying a night or two in this area is lovely! You can stay in the Sintra Mountains and enjoy the stunning landscape and beaches or in Sintra Town. Tivoli Palacio de Seteais, Pestana Sintra Golf Resort, Villa Estefânia and Vila Gale Sintra are perfect for a luxury stay. To check all prices and availability, please click on the map below and reserve your spot.
FAQ
What is the Convento dos Capuchos in English?
Convento dos Capuchos translates to Convent of the Capuchos, but it also goes by other names, such as Convent of the Holy Cross of the Sintra Mountains and the official name Convento da Santa Cruz da Serra de Sintra.
How do I get to Capuchos Convent?
Convento dos Capuchos is located in the Sintra hills, near Colares. If you don’t have a rental car, it’s best to take an Uber or Bolt taxi from Sintra town or Cascais. There is no bus service to the monument. If you have a rental car, you can follow the N247 and the N375 until you reach the car park.
How low do I need at the Capuchos Convent?
One hour to one and a half hours should be enough time. Convento dos Capuchos Sintra is much quieter than the other highlights nearby. There are normally no queues, which will speed up your visit, and the building is not very large. The convent’s location is surrounded by woods, and it’s nice to stay longer for a hike in the surrounding forest.
Conclusion
The Convent of the Capuchos might not be as famous as the glamorous palaces in Sintra, but the former monastery is perfect if you like to visit a peaceful place in nature! Convento dos Capuchos was once inhabited by Franciscan friars and abandoned in 1834 after the extinction of religious orders.
This hidden gem is located in the forest of the Sintra hills. The building is mostly made from cork, stone, and moss, so it is also known as the Cork convent. Nowadays, the convent is under the management of Parques de Sintra and is part of the Portuguese UNESCO Heritage.
Remember to explore nearby places along the Sintra coast. Head to quaint places like Azenhas do Mar or drive along the coast towards Peniche. There are plenty of beaches to stop and have a great time! You’ll enjoy the heart of the Sintra Mountains and discover a very different side of the area.
More things to do in Sintra
- How to get to Palácio da Pena in Sintra
- Quinta da Regaleira in Sintra, a guide to visit this magical UNESCO site
- Complete Guide to Park and Palace of Monserrate Sintra
- Sintra day trips from Lisbon; discover the best excursions
- The hidden gem in Sintra; Discover the ancient Convent of the Capuchos
- Beautiful Cabo da Roca Portugal; most westernmost point of Europe
- Biester Palace, a beautiful hidden gem in Sintra
- Sintra National Palace: Discover the beautiful palace close to Lisbon
- Lisbon Sintra by train Travel Guide + 8 top sights to visit
- Discover the picturesque coastal town Azenhas do Mar near Sintra
- Visit the beautiful Castle of the Moors (Castelo dos Mouros) in Sintra
- 8 irresistible beaches in Sintra to visit during your holiday
- How to get to stunning Praia da Ursa
- Beautiful Queluz National Palace, a hidden gem in Sintra
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