Frequently asked questions

It is a tiny 16th-century Franciscan convent hidden in the woodland of the Serra de Sintra, famous for its cork-lined cells and extreme austerity. First backed in 1560 by Álvaro de Castro, it housed friars who renounced comfort entirely and is nicknamed the 'Convent of Cork'. It forms part of the UNESCO-listed Cultural Landscape of Sintra.

Cork, stripped from the surrounding forest, was used profusely throughout the convent — lining the friars' cell doorways and ceilings for insulation, and even serving as their bedding. That distinctive use of cork gave the convent its enduring nickname, the 'Convent of Cork' (Convento da Cortiça).

The Convento dos Capuchos is open daily from 09:00 to 17:30, with last admission at 17:00. The on-site ticket office closes between 12:00 and 13:00, though an automatic ticket machine is available during that window. Your dated ticket lets you enter at your own pace on the day.

The experience is a sequence of small, austere spaces rather than grand rooms: the Courtyard of the Crosses, a grotto-like vestibule and church, the Corridor of the Cells with its tiny low doorways, the cloister set in native woodland, the Herbolarium where herbs were prepared, the refectory, and quiet hermitages including the cave of Friar Honório. Plan to stoop, slow down and explore.

From Lisbon, take the train to Sintra (about 40 minutes from Rossio). From Sintra station, bus 1253 serves the Capuchos — allow around 40 minutes including the walk — or take a taxi. By car, follow signs via Colares and the EN 247-3. It is remote, so plan your return journey in advance.

Most visitors spend around 45 to 60 minutes exploring the cells, chapels, cloister and surrounding woodland. It is a contemplative, walk-at-your-own-pace site rather than a quick tick-box stop — give yourself time to absorb the atmosphere.

Unfortunately not. The convent is built into uneven, rocky terrain with very low and narrow doorways, steps and woodland paths. It is not accessible to wheelchairs and is challenging for anyone with limited mobility. Sturdy, comfortable footwear is strongly recommended for everyone.

Your ticket is for a chosen date. When you book, you select the day you plan to visit and we secure your dated entry; you can then arrive at any point during opening hours on that date. There is no fixed entry-time slot to worry about.

Yes — many visitors pair the Capuchos with another Sintra monument to make a full day. It sits in the western Serra near Monserrate, so the two combine naturally; Pena and the Moorish Castle are a short drive away to the east. Because the Capuchos is remote, it works best as a dedicated stop rather than a quick add-on.

Early morning, soon after opening, is the most atmospheric — the woodland light filters through the trees and the site is at its quietest. Midday and early afternoon are busiest in peak season. The convent's forest setting keeps it cool and shaded even in summer, so a light layer is useful.

Yes. The convent forms part of the Cultural Landscape of Sintra, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1995 — a recognition of Sintra's unique blend of romantic architecture, historic estates and dramatic natural landscape.

No. Your ticket is a digital e-ticket — simply show the QR code on your phone screen at the entrance. We email it to you after you book, usually within a few hours, so it's ready well before your visit.

Get in touch as early as you can and we'll help you find the best option. Date changes depend on what the site has open on your new date. Because tickets are secured on your behalf once you confirm, please double-check your date before booking — our full terms set out the refund and change conditions.

Facilities at the Capuchos are very limited, in keeping with its remote woodland setting. Bring water and any snacks you may need, especially in warmer months, and use the cafés in Sintra town before or after your visit.

The price you see is an all-in concierge price covering your official admission ticket, our work securing and dating it on your behalf, a free audio guide, English-language support and instant delivery to your inbox. There is nothing extra to pay at the gate.