Convent of Saint Anthony of the Capuchins

The Convent of the Capuchos, located in the mountains of Sintra, is an extraordinary monument that represents the simplicity and spirituality of the Franciscan Order. Founded in 1560 by D. Álvaro de Castro, fulfilling a vow made by his father, D. João de Castro, the convent reflects the Franciscan ideal of poverty and communion with nature. Also known as the Convent of the Holy Cross of the Sintra Mountains, or more commonly as the Cork Convent, due to the widespread use of cork as insulating material, the site is immersed in a natural environment that amplifies the sense of isolation and contemplation. The convent was built to accommodate a small group of Capuchin friars seeking a life of penance and isolation. The cells and common spaces of the convent are extraordinarily small and austere, reflecting the humility and simplicity that characterized monastic life. The doors of the cells are so low that they force anyone entering to bend down, a symbolic gesture of humility. The monks lived in extremely spartan conditions, with simple food and a daily routine dedicated to prayer and reflection. A distinctive architectural element of the convent is the use of cork, which covers many of the internal surfaces to protect against cold and humidity, typical features of the Sintra climate. This natural material not only had a practical function, but also contributed to creating a visually unique environment in line with the Franciscan ideal of harmony with nature. The remote location of the Convent of the Capuchos and its rustic architecture are in stark contrast to other religious buildings of the time, such as the sumptuous Renaissance and Baroque monasteries and churches. This contrast was intentional and reflected the friars’ choice to live a life of extreme poverty and detachment from material goods. Even Philip I of Portugal, during a visit in 1581, praised the convent for its poverty, comparing it to the rich Escorial in Spain. The convent was inhabited by the friars until 1834, when the dissolution of religious orders in Portugal led to the abandonment of the site. Subsequently, the convent changed hands several times, ending up in the possession of the Count of Penamacor and then the Englishman Francis Cook, who also owned the nearby Monserrate Palace. Only in 1949 was the site purchased by the Portuguese State, which began conservation and restoration works to preserve this important piece of cultural heritage. Today, the Convent of the Capuchos is part of the cultural landscape of Sintra, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can explore the ancient cells, the austere church, and the surrounding paths, immersing themselves in the mystical and contemplative atmosphere that pervades the site. Guided tours and audio tours provide insights into the daily life of the friars and the history of the convent. The chapel of the convent, with its single nave and the presbytery carved into the rock, is lined with blue and white azulejos depicting the Passion of Christ. This sacred space, simple and devoid of luxurious ornaments, is a place of reflection and silence that invites meditation. The grounds of the convent, surrounded by an ancient forest of oaks and other Mediterranean species, are maintained in a state that reflects the friars’ attention to nature. The garden, once used to grow vegetables and medicinal plants, now offers a tranquil retreat for visitors, with shaded paths that invite walking and contemplation.