Convent of the Capuchos

Convent of the Capuchos was founded in 1560. King of Portugal Joao 3 decided to build it, but during his lifetime he did not have time to realize his plans and his son Don Alvar De Castro did it.

The monastery attracts tourists with its solitude, isolation from the worldly bustle, severe asceticism. It was precisely such conditions that were the best suited for the monks to achieve their lofty goals.

The name “capuchins” comes from the Italian “cappuccio”, which means “pointed hood”. The followers of the order wore these cloaks with such hoods. Their followers were immediately recognizable by their appearance. They wore sandals, a brown cassock over their naked bodies, and a rope with which they girded themselves, nothing more.

Capuchins are Franciscan friars. They followed the commandments of Francis of Assisi. Their main principles were loneliness, repentance, renunciation of material wealth, love of neighbor, poverty and life in complete asceticism.

The monks knew a lot about healing properties of plants and specially cultivated herbs. They also held masses for parishioners, received pilgrims to their monastery.

The Capuchins left the outside world, kept strict fasts (although their diet was already very poor), engaged in self-flagellation, took a vow of silence, thus trying to be closer to God. They built their monasteries in remote, hard-to-reach places.

In addition to the cells, the monastery building housed a church, a large kitchen, a dining room where the monks ate at a large granite table (the table was a gift from the king). Moreover, you will find a library, an infirmary, a meeting room, a laboratory (here they studied the medicinal properties of plants) and a lavatory with source. Daily ablutions and other hygiene procedures happened there. The brothers kept the body clean, although this was rare for the 16th century.

In the monastery, all the rooms and corridors are very small and narrow, so if you do not like closed spaces, this tour is not for you.

Tickets :

• regular ticket – 7€
• under 18 or over 65+ years – 5,50€
• children under 6 years – free