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Convent of the Capuchos: Enchanted Forest Monastery
The Convent of the Capuchos was completed in 1580. Eight Franciscan monks resided there until the extinction of religious orders in 1834. The property was purchased by the Cook family in 1837. It was abandoned and neglected until it was purchased by the Portuguese state in 1949, and preservation began in 1950. The property is near Sintra Portugal. It became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995. The site was robbed twice and closed to the public until 2001. It is currently in the process of being restored.
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The Franciscan monks took a vow of isolation and poverty. The Convent of the Capuchos was built into the boulders of the Sintra Mountains and surrounded by forest camouflaging the monastery and symbolizing harmony between people and nature. The monks led a reclusive lifestyle; the property is deep in the forest and roads leading to the monastery were unmarked. The monastery consists of a chapel, dormitories, choir, cloister, library, penitential cell, infirmary, kitchen, and latrine all connected by narrow passageways and tiny staircases carved into the stone.
The entrance to the monastery is through the Door of Death, symbolizing reunification with the world. Poverty is symbolized throughout the Convent of the Capuchos. There are no floors and the walls are made of rock. The stone bed the monks slept on were so small space for their feet were carved into the stone. There was no heat at the monastery and rooms were insulated with cork from the surrounding oak cork trees. Doors were built low requiring the monks to bow in humility as they enter their quarters.
Convent of the Capuchos is not within walking distance of Sintra Portugal. Pay the entrance fee and walk down the road until you see a terrace of three crosses symbolizing Golgotha. The entrance is a small hidden staircase behind the middle rock.
Be sure to check the Convent of the Capuchos website for current events
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