Capuchos Convent

The Convent of the Capuchos, located in the Sintra Mountains, is a small 16th-century Franciscan monastery built by D. Álvaro de Castro, known for its simple architecture perfectly integrated into nature. Constructed among boulders and lined with cork, it reflects the Capuchin friars’ ideal of poverty and humility, who lived there in seclusion and contemplation. After the dissolution of the religious orders, it was abandoned and later restored, now managed by Parques de Sintra and open to the public. Its mystical atmosphere, the blend of stone, wood, and vegetation, and its profound silence make it one of Sintra’s most unique and inspiring sites, ideal for those seeking to capture the connection between spirituality and nature.

The Capuchos Convent was one of our favorite places during our time in Sintra. I bought tickets online in advance from home (you get a discount buying in advance), and we pre-reserved our Uber rides to & from the site which made transportation easy. We got tickets for opening time (9 am) and on a Monday (to avoid weekend crowds). We arrived just before it opened and we were the only ones there. We actually got the entire site to ourselves for an hour and a half! We were able to take our time, take tons of photos and enjoy the peacefulness and tranquility of the site. It was magical for us. Really gave us a glimpse into the meditative serenity of why the Friars built and lived there. You really get a sense of nature's magic. As we were leaving, there were several tour groups of people arriving and coming in .. I don't think we would have had the same magical experience we did if we had been there the same time as tons of people. My suggestion - go on a weekday and go early!!

Incredibly quiet, atmospheric and humble hermitage dating from 1560. The site is fed by natural springs and many of the tiny rooms, cells, stairs and narrow corridors used by the Capuchin Franciscans are excavated in the rock. A really beautiful place to visit and a must see!

Such a magical place. We bought tickets for a night guided tour. It was amazing. It was beyond our expectations. Even to get there was an adventure.I think everyone owes this place a visit just to see monks humble lifestyle and their respect for the nature. Beautiful and sad at the same time. Guide Bertrand was very passionate and interesting. Highly recommended.

My favourite place in Portugal so far, admittedly only three days in. Incredibly atmospheric, set amongst moss covered boulders and trees in an isolated spot. It felt like a scene from a fantasy novel. Cork bark used for shutters, doors, frames, benches, boulders bulging out of walls. Remnant decorative features including a skull and Cross bones! A must visit.

Minimalist and mossy, this site is the opposite of palace grandeur. Low doorways and tiny cells tell the story better than any plaque. It’s quiet, shaded, and contemplative—one of Sintra’s few truly peaceful stops. Not flashy, but if you like places with atmosphere and restraint, it sticks with you.

It is breathtaking beautiful. A beautiful and peaceful place one created for prayer meditation to honor God so unlike your everyday convent evident by the humility in which, it is evident, the friars leaved! As you walk through the facolity you are transported to a different time, a period... a way of life different than ours. It is a place i recommend people definitely visit!

I almost hesitate to review because I don't want too many people to visit! It is truly a magical place, kept in wonderful shape. They put great effort into restoring and preserving the historical nature of the place.