Sintra Guided Visit: Life and Death at the Capuchos Convent

The Capuchos Convent in Sintra, Portugal, hides a captivating history of ascetic friars who embraced a life of profound discipline and spiritual devotion. Visitors can now embark on a guided tour to uncover the convent’s eerie tales, from ghostly encounters to temptations of the devil. Led by a knowledgeable historian, this immersive experience promises to unveil the unique habits and challenges faced by the convent’s inhabitants, inviting participants to delve deeper into its profound legacy.

Key Points

• A 5-hour private group tour of the 16th-century Capuchos Convent in Sintra, led by a historian with expertise in religious chronicles.
• Visitors explore the convent’s mysterious grottos and cells, learning about the unique ascetic lifestyle and disciplined monastic rituals of the friars.
• Hear tales of the friars’ encounters with the Devil, including reports of fiery apparitions, ghostly whispers, and unexplained disturbances within the convent.
• The tour includes pickup at Sintra train station, return transportation, and is suitable for those who can comfortably walk and explore the convent.
• The tour offers an immersive experience into the history, architecture, and spiritual aspects of the Capuchos Convent, a significant religious site in Sintra’s landscape.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Sintra Guided Visit: Capuchos Convent activity is a 5-hour private group tour that explores the mysterious Capuchos Convent.

Discover the mysterious Capuchos Convent in a 5-hour private group tour led by a historian.

Priced from $103.13 per person, the tour is conducted in English and led by a historian with expertise in religious chronicles.

Participants will discover the unique habits of the friars, hear tales of Devil visitations, and learn how Sintra Mountain plants were processed for medicine.

The itinerary includes pickup at Sintra train station, transportation to the convent, a 3.5-hour tour of the interior, and return transportation.

Comfortable shoes and warm clothing are recommended, while pets, smoking, and noise-making are prohibited.

Booking Information

Booking this Sintra Guided Visit is easy – travelers can reserve their spot with no upfront payment.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Visitors can check availability and starting times to plan their schedule.

This private group tour lasts approximately 5 hours and is conducted in English. It covers exploring the mysterious Capuchos Convent, learning about the friars’ unique habits, and discovering how Sintra Mountain plants were used for medicine.

The tour isn’t suitable for individuals with mobility issues or wheelchair users.

Exploring the Capuchos Convent

Visitors on the Sintra Guided Visit embark on an unforgettable journey to the Capuchos Convent, a remarkably preserved 16th-century monastery nestled in the heart of Sintra’s enchanting landscape. They’ll explore the convent’s mysterious grottos and cells, learning about the unique habits of the friars who once called this place home. Hear tales of Devil visitations and discover how the mountain plants were processed for medicinal use. The tour is accompanied by a historian with expertise in religious chronicles, providing insights into the convent’s rich history and the ascetic lives of its inhabitants.

| Feature | Description |

| — | — |

| Grottos | Mysterious underground chambers used by the friars |

| Cells | Sparse living quarters of the ascetic friars |

| Medicinal Plants | Sintra Mountain plants processed for medicinal purposes |

| Historian | Guides with expertise in religious chronicles |

Unique Habits of the Friars

Though cloistered from the outside world, the Capuchos friars maintained a unique set of habits within the confines of their 16th-century monastery.

They slept on wooden platforms, ate simple meals of vegetables and bread, and performed daily chores. The friars embraced asceticism, denying themselves material comforts. They spent hours in silent meditation and prayer, seeking spiritual enlightenment.

Interestingly, the friars also processed plants from the surrounding Sintra Mountain for medicinal use, drawing on their botanical knowledge.

These disciplined rituals and practices defined the Capuchos’ monastic lifestyle, shaping their daily existence within the remote convent.

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Encounters With the Devil

According to religious chronicles, the Capuchos friars occasionally reported encounters with the Devil during their time at the remote convent.

The tales described:

1. Fiery apparitions that materialized in the shadows of the dimly lit grottos.

2. Ghostly whispers echoing through the winding passages, luring the friars into temptation.

3. Unexplained disturbances, such as candles being extinguished and objects moving on their own, unsettling the devout residents.

These eerie experiences were seen as tests of the friars’ faith, reminding them of the constant battle against evil and the importance of their ascetic lifestyle within the Capuchos Convent.

Medicinal Plants and Remedies

The Capuchos Convent was not merely a place of spiritual devotion; it also served as a hub for the friars’ knowledge of the local flora. Nestled within the verdant Sintra Mountain, the grounds provided a wealth of medicinal plants that the friars meticulously harvested and processed.

| Plant | Usage | Healing Effect |

| — | — | — |

| Rosemary | Antiseptic, anti-inflammatory | Treats respiratory ailments, improves circulation |

| Lavender | Analgesic, anti-anxiety | Relieves stress, promotes relaxation |

| Chamomile | Antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory | Soothes digestive issues, eases muscle tension |

These natural remedies were a vital component of the convent’s self-sustaining lifestyle, reflecting the friars’ intimate connection with the land and their commitment to holistic wellbeing.

Expertise of the Historian Guide

Consistently, the historian guide leading the Sintra Guided Visit possesses deep expertise in religious chronicles.

The guide’s knowledge enables them to:

The guide’s expertise allows them to provide rich historical context, unveil tales of the supernatural, and explain the friars’ medicinal practices.

1. Provide rich historical context about the Capuchos Convent and its inhabitants.

2. Unveil tales of supernatural occurrences, such as purported Devil visitations, that captivate visitors.

3. Explain how the convent’s unique medicinal plant processing procedures were integral to the friars’ daily lives.

This expertise allows the guide to craft an immersive experience, transporting visitors back in time to understand the Capuchos Convent’s intriguing history and the extraordinary lifestyle of its former occupants.

Participant Guidelines

To ensure the Sintra Guided Visit to the Capuchos Convent is an enjoyable experience for all, there are a few important participant guidelines to keep in mind.

The tour isn’t suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, as the convent’s narrow, uneven passages may prove challenging. Comfortable shoes and warm clothing are recommended attire.

Pets, smoking, and making excessive noise are prohibited.

The meeting point is the main entrance of the Sintra train station, where the guide can be identified by their logo or name sign.

Since You Asked

Can I Purchase Souvenirs at the Capuchos Convent?

According to the tour overview, there’s no mention of the availability of souvenirs at the Capuchos Convent. The tour focuses on exploring the convent’s interiors and learning about the friars’ unique habits, rather than shopping opportunities.

Are There Any Restrooms Available During the Tour?

Yes, there are restrooms available during the tour. Participants can use the restroom facilities located within the Capuchos Convent grounds at designated times throughout the guided visit.

Is Photography Allowed Inside the Capuchos Convent?

Photography is allowed inside the Capuchos Convent, but guests should be respectful and avoid disrupting the tour. It’s best to check with the tour guide for any specific photography rules or restrictions during the visit.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Visitors can’t bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour guidelines prohibit bringing pets, smoking, and making noise. Participants should wear comfortable shoes and warm clothing for the 3.5-hour tour of the Capuchos Convent.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children Under 12 Years Old?

The tour may not be suitable for children under 12 years old. The Participant Guidelines state it’s not recommended for individuals with mobility impairments, and the site mentions exploring mysterious grottos and cells which may not appeal to or be appropriate for young children.

The Sum Up

The "Sintra Guided Visit: Life and Death at the Capuchos Convent" offers a unique opportunity to explore the captivating history of this 16th-century monastery. Visitors can expect to uncover the ascetic lifestyles of the friars, from their simple meals to their silent meditation, while exploring the convent’s haunting tales of ghostly encounters and spiritual challenges. Led by a knowledgeable historian, this tour promises an immersive and insightful experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: