Tucked away in the lush hills of Sintra, the Convent of the Capuchos beckons visitors to discover its centuries-old secrets. For just $20.56, you can explore this tranquil sanctuary and uncover the stories hidden within its weathered stone walls. Armed with a self-guided audio tour in English or Portuguese, you’ll explore the convent’s past as you wander through the Cave of Friar Honório and the Chapel of the Passion of Christ. Skip the ticket line and secure your spot in advance – this immersive experience promises to transport you back in time and leave you captivated by Sintra’s enchanting history.
Key Points
- The Convent of Capuchos entry ticket costs $20.56 per person and offers a full refund for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.
- The ticket provides access to the convent for 1 day and includes a self-guided audio tour in English and Portuguese.
- Highlights of the experience include exploring the Cave of Friar Honorio, the Chapel of the Passion of Christ, and the Cloister’s Hermitages.
- The audio guide enhances the understanding of the convent’s 16th-century founding, its historical significance, and the lives of notable figures like Brother Honorio.
- The convent is accessible via train and bus from Lisbon, with the last admission at 5:00 PM.
Ticket Information and Pricing
The entry ticket to the Convent of the Capuchos costs $20.56 per person.
Visitors can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The ticket is valid for 1 day and provides skip-the-ticket-line access.
The site also offers a reserve now and pay later option, making it convenient for travelers.
The Convent of the Capuchos is a unique historical site known for its humble beauty and significance, offering an immersive experience through the audio guide and exploration of the complex.
Visitors can expect to discover the Convent’s rich history, the Cave of Friar Honorio, and the Hermitages within the Cloister during their visit.
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Experience Highlights
Visitors can explore the Convent of Capuchos, known for its humble beauty and historical significance.
They’ll visit the Cave of Friar Honorio, where the hermit once lived in isolation, and the Chapel of the Passion of Christ, accompanied by an audio guide.
The Cloister’s Hermitages and the Donkey Reserve, which raises awareness about these animals, are also part of the experience.
This self-guided tour allows guests to enjoy the convent’s fascinating past, from its 16th-century founding by Álvaro de Castro to its later abandonment and acquisition by the Portuguese state in the 20th century.
Historical Background
The Convent of Capuchos was founded in 1560 by Álvaro de Castro, who dedicated it to contemplation and introspection. Known as the Convent of Cork due to the extensive use of cork in its construction, it has a rich historical legacy:
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Notable historical figures include Brother Honório, who lived in isolation within the convent.
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The convent was abandoned in 1834 after the abolition of Religious Orders, but was later acquired by the Portuguese state in 1949.
Boasting humble beauty and historical significance, the Convent of Capuchos offers visitors a glimpse into the past, as they explore its well-preserved structures and learn about its intriguing history.
Audio Guide and Accessibility
To enhance the visitor experience, an audio guide is available in both English and Portuguese. The self-guided tour can be accessed through a smartphone app, requiring Android (5.0+) or iOS devices. Unfortunately, it’s not compatible with Windows phones or older Apple devices. Visitors will need to bring their own headphones and ensure their smartphone is charged before starting the tour.
Feature | Requirement |
---|---|
Device | Android (5.0+) or iOS |
OS | Not compatible with Windows phones or older Apple devices |
Extras | Headphones and charged smartphone |
The audio guide provides detailed information about the Convent of the Capuchos, allowing guests to explore the site at their own pace and discover its rich history and architectural features.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyDirections and Visitor Information
No meeting point is provided, as the self-guided audio tour starts right at the entrance of the Convent of the Capuchos.
To reach the site, visitors can take the train from Lisbon to Sintra and then hop on Bus No. 1253 or take a taxi.
The last admission is at 5:00 PM, so plan your visit accordingly.
Once there, adhere to the site guidelines, and note that free and reduced admission tickets are available on-site only.
The audio guide is compatible with Android (5.0+) and iOS devices, but not with Windows phones or older Apple devices, so ensure you have a charged smartphone and headphones for the tour.
Exploring the Convent
Visitors often marvel at the humble beauty and historical significance of the Convent of the Capuchos, also known as the Convent of Cork. The audio guide leads them through the site’s highlights, including the Cave of Friar Honório and the Chapel of the Passion of Christ.
Exploring the Convent | ||
---|---|---|
Convent Highlights | Cave of Friar Honório | Chapel of the Passion of Christ |
Hermitages | Cloister | Donkey Reserve |
Historical Figures | Brother Honório | Álvaro de Castro |
Visitors can explore the lives of notable historical figures like Brother Honório, who lived in isolation, and learn about the convent’s dedication to contemplation and introspection.
Discovering the Hermitages
As visitors explore the Convent of the Capuchos, they’ll discover the enchanting hermitages nestled within the cloister.
These humble dwellings offer a glimpse into the contemplative lives of the Capuchos monks. Visitors can:
- Marvel at the intricate details carved into the cork walls, showcasing the monks’ resourcefulness and creativity.
- Imagine the solitude and introspection experienced by the hermits who once inhabited these spaces.
- Gain a deeper appreciation for the Convent’s spiritual heritage and the profound connection between the natural environment and monastic life.
These hermitages serve as a reminder of the Convent’s profound history and the enduring spirit of simplicity and contemplation that defined the Capuchos order.
Visiting the Cave and Chapel
The Convent of the Capuchos beckons visitors to explore its most intriguing spaces – the Cave of Friar Honório and the Chapel of the Passion of Christ.
With the provided audio guide, guests can enjoy the history and significance of these unique features.
The Cave of Friar Honório offers a glimpse into the solitary life of this revered figure, while the Chapel of the Passion of Christ stands as a testament to the devotion and spirituality that permeated the convent.
These sites provide a captivating and enlightening experience, allowing visitors to delve deeper into the convent’s rich past.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Pets Allowed Within the Convent Grounds?
Pets are not permitted within the convent grounds. The site guidelines strictly prohibit the entry of animals to preserve the historic and contemplative nature of the Convent of the Capuchos.
Is There a Dress Code for Visiting the Site?
There’s no strict dress code for visiting the site, but visitors should wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for exploring the historic convent grounds. Casual, modest attire is recommended to respect the site’s religious and cultural significance.
Are Guided Tours Available in Addition to the Audio Guide?
The site doesn’t offer guided tours; visitors can explore the convent using an audio guide available in English and Portuguese. The self-guided tour is designed for smartphones and provides an immersive experience at your own pace.
What Are the Opening Hours of the Donkey Reserve?
The opening hours of the Donkey Reserve at the Convent of the Capuchos are not explicitly stated in the provided information. The site operates as part of the overall convent experience, but its specific hours are not detailed.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks to the Convent?
Visitors can bring their own food and drinks to the convent. There are no restrictions on outside provisions, allowing travelers to enjoy meals and refreshments during their self-guided tour of the historic site.
Recap
The Convent of the Capuchos in Sintra offers an immersive historical experience. With a self-guided audio guide, visitors can explore the convent’s rich past, including the Cave of Friar Honorário and the Chapel of the Passion of Christ. The tranquil setting and well-preserved architecture transport visitors back in time, providing a unique glimpse into Portugal’s monastic heritage. The convenient skip-the-line access and pay-later option ensure a hassle-free visit to this captivating site.
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