About this experience
When touristy Sintra has already become part of your Portuguese travel history and the feeling of immersing yourself in the untouched atmosphere of antiquity has not yet appeared, it is time to embark on a tour of the lesser-known places of the city. Visiting the enchanting palace-park complex of Montserrat and the mysterious Capuchin Convent will bring you special aesthetic pleasure and unconventional knowledge about the history of Portuguese land.
What to Expect
Montserrat Palace and Park - a paradise for nature lovers
Park is interesting for its refined landscape design and abundance of plants representing the flora of different countries: here you will find an Australian giant pine, a Japanese garden, and a cork tree. In addition, you will see a composition of exotic trees and imitations of ruins, a beautiful cascading waterfall, and a 'scented trail'. You will also tour the palace, which features three architectural styles - Indian, Moorish, and Gothic. Built without extravagance, it holds many curious details that we will discuss on the tour. You will explore galleries, a music room adorned with decorative stucco carvings, a kitchen with antique copperware. I will tell you about the history of Montserrat's origin, about the estate owners and their contribution to the development of its territory, as well as about the impressions of Lord Byron, who lived in Montserrat Palace for some time and dedicated the work 'Childe Harold's Pilgrimage' to Sintra.
Capuchin Convent or Cork Convent
"Of all my kingdoms, I am amazed by the beauty and wealth of Escorial, and by the poverty and destitution of the Capuchin Convent in Sintra".
The Catholic monastery was built in the 16th century, the first community consisted of only 8 Franciscan monks who devoted themselves entirely to ascetic hermit life. There is very little information about the monastery itself, as well as about the monks, which makes the atmosphere of this mystical place even more mysterious. You will hear a legend associated with the founding of the monastery, walk among its ruins and preserved stone cells, and learn some information about the way of life of the monks. Capuchin Convent is ideal for peaceful and contemplative walks and will appeal to all who are tired of tourist hustle and bustle and want to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of ancient Portugal in a secluded and very beautiful place.
Organizational Details
- Tastings and tickets are not included in the excursion price.
- Montserrat Park and Palace: for adults - 6.50 euros, for children aged 6-17 and visitors over 65 years old - 5 euros.
- Capuchin Convent: 6.50 euros/adult, 5 euros/child aged 5 and above.
- In case of rainy weather, bring umbrellas and raincoats.
