Convent of the Capuchos
It didn’t come as a surprise the fact they call it um pedaço de ceu na terra = a piece of heaven on earth. The moment we stepped in the garden, we knew it will become a coming-back-to spot.
This convent is a construction built in 1560 by a community of eight Franciscans. A symbol of simplicity and humbleness, this sanctuary has been so well preserved that you may think the monks just went to bring in the crop and they’ll be back in a bit. We’re just puzzled by the simple life they used to have. Looking at the humid and minuscule rooms you’d imagine some tiny inhabitants. But the truth is they didn’t need much: much space, much food, much talking… They lived their life in meditation, and the convent with its surrounding couldn’t be more appropriate for such practice.
Every once in a while they’d receive peregrines in search for spiritual comfort. And not only. People would also embark on long journeys to the convent to be cured of various physical diseases. That’s because the monks were also well-known for their knowledge about the healing properties the plants have.
Here you may find a sample of what Sintra’s forest used to be, with its vegetation and rare botanical species. There are trees that are more than 500 years old. Can you imagine? 500 years old…
More talking would be probably fruitless…so we leave these pictures below to speak for themselves. In fact, the convent would be a better option to speak for itself…That’s why traveller, pack a sandwich and a bottle of water and spend an afternoon at the Convent of the Capuchos! Go! Tomorrow!
The Peninha Sanctuary
And after the convent, you must definitely make a stop and check the abandoned Peninha sanctuary. You’ll be passing by a cute picnic spot and soon you’ll be reaching the end of the road. Park the car and walk till up, up.
W A R N I N G! Make sure you have a companion with you and a bottle of water, just in case, for first aid, because the panoramic view is breathless.
The sanctuary of Peninha is marked by the presence of two chappels carrying an interesting past, a unique ecosystem specific to all Sintra’s area and once again, the landscapes that are beyond description.
For directions and how to get to these two places presented above, ask Google (Convento dos Capuchos; Santuário da Peninha).
For any sort of questions (except chemistry or physics related stuff), you are more than welcome to talk to us :).
