Capuchin Monastery in Sintra

The Capuchin Monastery in Sintra attracts the attention of those who are interested in the life of the order of ascetic monks. The order got its name from the hooded robe that the monks wore. The Catholic monastery was founded in 1548, now it looks more like ruins than a building with medieval architecture.

History of the Capuchin Monastery in Sintra

It started with the Portuguese military leader Joao de Castro, he had a son, Alvaro, and he built a monastery. One day in the 16th century, Juan went hunting, in the midst of the hunt he felt tired and decided to sleep a little to regain his strength. He had a dream that it was in this place that it was necessary to build a monastery. The commander died a year later, but managed to tell his son about his plans. The heir, João de Castro, continued his father’s work and built the Capuchin Monastery in Sintra.

It must be emphasized right away that getting to this place is quite difficult. The original name of the monastery is Convento dos Capuchos. Usually you don't see many guests here. But for everyone who shows a desire to go to the monastery, there will definitely be a secluded place where you can feel like a Capuchin.

Features of the Capuchin Monastery in Sintra

Almost all buildings are carved into the rock. Inside you will not be greeted with lush chambers with doors wide open. Instead, you'll see rooms lined with cork, which helps with heat retention and sound insulation. In the courtyard of the Capuchin Monastery in Sintra, two crosses were erected: they stand on a small stone foundation. Each of them is a symbol of Golgotha, here you can drink water and sit down to rest on a bench.

According to the charter, the Capuchins could not live luxuriously. They were all humble ascetics, but the monks read more than just prayers. In the Capuchin Monastery in Sintra there is a room for making herbal medicines. There are also other rooms, such as a kitchen, a library, an infirmary, a bathroom with a bath, and a separate temple. All cells and rooms have small windows. There is a stone altar in the prayer hall. The Capuchins hospitably received pilgrims. All their meetings were held in a special hall where stone benches were placed. There is a separate hermitage near the entrance to the Capuchin Monastery in Sintra, but it is temporarily closed to visitors.