Convent of the Capuchos (Sintra)

The Convento dos Capuchos Sintra, originally the convent of Santa Cruz, is a former Franciscan monastery in Sintra, Portugal. It is located in the National Park Sintra -Cascais, about five kilometers southwest of Sintra.

The Franciscan monastery was founded in 1560 by Alvaro de Castro, the son of the Viceroy of India João de Castro. His story is largely unknown.

The legend tells that João de Castro had run in hunting and under a rock put down to sleep. There he learned in a vision that he should found a monastery there. He died before the completion of this project, but his son Alvaro donated by the wish of his father's monastery. The first eight Franciscan friars spent there the legend after more than 100 years, a life of penance.

After the dissolution of the Order, the brothers were forced to leave the place. He came into the possession of the Vizconde de Monserrat and later fell to the Portuguese State. The buildings have long since crumbled to ruins, but sought the park management to preserve the site for posterity.

The monastery is located deep in the forest. The monks' cells were very spartan and hewn in the rock in part; some were covered with cork.

Gallery

Entrance building

Court

Refectory

Input

Belfry

Access from the outside

Cova de free Honório

Panoramic view from the monastery