Entry Ticket to Convento dos Capuchos

The centuries-old Convento dos Capuchos stands as the epitome of simplicity in contrast to the contemporary beauty of Sintra. The convent is located among sights of rocks and boulders with picturesque caves. Stand in reverence of the 3 rock-carved crosses in the Courtyard of the Crosses that signifies the Calvary where Christ was crucified. Explore the several points of interest dating back to the 16th century, and marvel at the walls of the porch adorned with elegant paintings. Admire the characteristic intricately designed white and blue tiles from the 18th century in the Chapel of the Passion of Christ. The quiet church in a rustic grotto and the Cave of Friar Honorio stand frozen in time and will transport you back to the past. The austere structure of the Corridor of the Cells that used to serve as the meditation center for the resident Friars will stun you.

Be mystified by the library, whose contents are still unknown as the books were auctioned off and dispersed centuries ago. Take a tour of the age-old facilities of the kitchen, the barn, infirmary atriums equipped with an Apothecary chamber, and more. Explore the meeting room called the Chapter House, the Cloister where the Friars practiced contemplation, and the enchanting Hermitages hidden in the green woods. Lastly, visit the Donkey Reserve that conducts activities and awareness programmes to make people cognizant of the importance of this friendly species.

Entry Ticket to Convento dos Capuchos

Discover the enchanting Convento dos Capuchos in Sintra, a centuries-old convent that offers visitors a glimpse into Portugal's rich religious history and natural beauty. This sightseeing tour includes access to the 18th-century Chapel of the Passion of Christ, the Cave of Friar Honorio, the ornate porch paintings, and more. The audio guide is available in Portuguese, English, Spanish, and French, providing detailed insights into each area as you explore the convent's courtyards, corridors, cells, and chapel over a duration of approximately 1 hour to 2 hours. With its rustic beauty and serene atmosphere, Convento dos Capuchos stands out among other religious sites in Portugal due to its unique blend of architectural charm and natural surroundings. The tour covers an area of about 5 acres, including the Garden House, the official Chapter House, the infirmary atriums, the kitchen, and the library. Built between 1560 and 1630, the convent is renowned for its historical significance and architectural details, such as the paintings on the porch that depict scenes from the Bible.

Explore the Chapel of the Passion of Christ

Your tour stops at the Chapel of the Passion of Christ where you will be captivated by its intricate Baroque architecture. Established in 1740, this chapel features ornate decorations and paintings that recount the passion of Jesus Christ. The chapel measures approximately 25 feet in length and is adorned with detailed frescoes covering over 300 square feet. Visitors spend about 15 minutes exploring the chapel's interior, admiring its religious artifacts and historical significance. Unique to this chapel is its intimate size and the depth of its spiritual symbolism, which sets it apart from larger cathedrals in Portugal. The Chapel of the Passion of Christ matters greatly to the tour as it provides a profound understanding of the convent's spiritual history.

Discover the Cave of Friar Honorio

At Convento dos Capuchos, guests can visit the Cave of Friar Honorio, an unusual feature that adds intrigue and charm to the site. This cave was used by the friars as a place for meditation and solitude during their ascetic lives. The cave is approximately 10 feet in diameter and features a small altar inside. Constructed around 1625, it offers visitors a unique insight into the austere lifestyle of the monks who lived here centuries ago. Visitors typically spend about 10 minutes exploring this hidden gem within the convent grounds. Its rustic beauty and historical importance make it stand out among similar sites in Portugal.

Admire the Courtyard of the Crosses

The Courtyard of the Crosses serves as a serene focal point for visitors to Convento dos Capuchos, featuring an array of wooden crosses that symbolize the convent's religious heritage. Established around 1640, this courtyard spans approximately 25 feet by 25 feet and is surrounded by lush greenery and ancient stone walls. Visitors spend about 10 minutes walking through the courtyard, observing the intricate carvings on each cross and reflecting on the history of the site. This courtyard stands out due to its tranquil atmosphere and historical significance, offering a peaceful respite from the bustling city outside.

Visit the Corridor of the Cells

Your tour continues through the Corridor of the Cells, an area that showcases the austere living conditions of the monks who once inhabited Convento dos Capuchos. Built around 1620, this corridor features a series of small cells lined up along its length, each approximately 8 feet by 5 feet in size. The corridor is adorned with rustic wooden beams and stone walls that add to its historical charm. Visitors spend about 10 minutes exploring the corridor and learning about the ascetic lifestyle of the monks who lived here. This area matters greatly as it provides a tangible connection to the convent's past, allowing visitors to understand the hardships endured by those who called this place home.

Explore the Infirmary Atriums

The infirmary atriums at Convento dos Capuchos offer a glimpse into the medical care provided for the monks during their time in the convent. Established around 1640, these atriums are situated within the main complex and feature large open spaces surrounded by stone walls. The infirmary measures approximately 35 feet by 25 feet and is decorated with simple yet elegant details that reflect the convent's religious ethos. Visitors spend about 10 minutes exploring this area, learning about the medical practices of the time through informative plaques and audio guides available in multiple languages. This unique feature sets Convento dos Capuchos apart from other historical sites as it provides a comprehensive understanding of life within the convent.

Tour Highlights

• Explore [Chapel of the Passion of Christ] with detailed paintings
• Spend 1 hour to 2 hours at [Convento dos Capuchos] including audio guide
• Listen to [audio guide] in Portuguese, English, Spanish, and French
• Admire [Courtyard of the Crosses] with wooden crosses dating back centuries
• Walk through [Corridor of the Cells] lined with small monks' cells
• Discover [Infirmary Atriums] with historical medical care insights
• Access to [Cave of Friar Honorio] for meditation and solitude experiences
• Visit [Hermitages in the Cloister] showcasing rustic beauty and spiritual significance

Perfect for history enthusiasts, religious pilgrims, and nature lovers, this guided tour provides an immersive experience through Convento dos Capuchos's rich heritage. The 1-hour to 2-hour duration allows you to explore the Chapel of the Passion of Christ, the Courtyard of the Crosses, and the Corridor of the Cells, giving you a comprehensive understanding of Sintra's religious history while enjoying its serene natural beauty.