Convent of the Capuchos

"Also known as Convento da Cortiça, the construction of this conventual house was promoted, in 1560, by D. Álvaro de Castro, state advisor to King D. Sebastião, as a result of a vote he made to his father, D. João de Castro , who dreamed of building a stripped-down temple there, dedicated to the practices of contemplation and introspection. This convent, where cork was used extensively in coverings and decoration, was named Convento de Santa Cruz da Serra de Sintra. The construction embodies the philosophy and ideals of the Order of Saint Francis of Assisi: the search for spiritual improvement through isolation from the world and renunciation of the pleasures associated with earthly life. Later, by order of Cardinal King D. Henrique, the convent received some improvements. In 1581, after the Portuguese defeat in the battle of Alcácer-Quibir, Philip I of Portugal (II of Spain) visited the convent, making a statement that became famous: “Throughout my kingdom, I am very pleased with two things: Escorial, for being so rich, and the Convent of Santa Cruz, for being so poor.” For around 250 years, the convent remained a place of worship and pilgrimage, inhabited by Franciscan friars who the local population considered “holy men”, who shared the philosophy expressed in that place. One of the notable friars in the history of this house was Friar Honório who, according to legend, spent the last decades of his life isolated, on bread and water, in a small cave in the convent's woods, after having given in to temptation. However, in 1834, after the extinction of the Religious Orders in Portugal, the convent was abandoned and was later purchased by the 2nd Count of Penamacor, who, in 1873, sold the property to the 1st Viscount of Monserrate, Francis Cook."

"The Convent of the Capuchos, also known as the Cork Convent, is a unique and serene site tucked within Sintra's lush forests. It contrasts sharply with the opulence of other Sintra palaces. The convent features small, cell-like rooms for the monks, narrow hallways, and low doorways, evoking a sense of humility and simplicity."