Convento dos Capuchos (Sintra)

Convent in Sintra

Convento Dos Capuchos, Colares, Portugal — CC BY-SA 3.0 / Mangelbenito

Capuchos Convent, also called Santa Cruz or the Cork Convent, was constructed in 1560 by Dom Álvaro de Castro to fulfill a vow made by his father, Dom João de Castro, who was Viceroy of India.

The convent’s small cells, chapel, refectory, and other facilities are built into the rock and lined with cork, showcasing the modest and ascetic lifestyle of the Franciscan friars who once resided there.

Located on the Serra de Sintra, the convent is situated 9 kilometers from the center of Sintra.

Visiting Convento dos Capuchos (Sintra)

Hours:

9.30am-8pm

Price:

adult/child €7/5.50

Address: Convento dos Capuchos, Colares, Portugal

Duration: 40 minutes

Official Website

Tours and Activities from Sintra

Convento de Santa Clara (Guimarães)

Convent in Guimarães

The former Convent of St. Clare (“Convento de Santa Clara de Guimarães”, in the Portuguese language), built back in 1548 and occupied by the nuns between 1562 and 1891 (when the last surviving nun died). In 1968 it was designated as the City Hall of Guimarães, housing also the municipal archives. The entrance is free on working hours and you will certainly enjoy visiting it.

Beautiful cloisters and gardens are hidden inside, but it is on the Baroque-style façade that we get lost in the superb details, worked in granite and that lead us to the central image, the sculpture of Santa Clara, almost inlaid in the baroque façade.

Visiting Convento de Santa Clara (Guimarães)

Address: Antigo Convento de Santa Clara, Largo Cónego José Maria Gomes, Guimarães, Portugal

Duration: 20 minutes

Tours and Activities from Guimarães

Latest Blogs from Guimarães

Self-guided tour of Guimarães (with photos & map!)

Guimarães, a small city in the northern part of the country, is affectionately referred to as the birthplace of Portuguese state and identity as it was here that they originated in the first half of the 12th century. Its medieval historic centre, which has been well-preserved and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, makes Guimarães an increasingly popular destination for day trips and weekend getaways in Portugal.

Andrew Ashton

22nd February 2023 · 10 min read