Convent of the Capuchos (Sintra): Tickets and Tours

The Sintra region is synonymous with colorful palaces of extraordinary design and accompanying palatial gardens of equal grandeur.

But wander deep within its forests and you’ll find another sight entirely — a place that draws visitors not because of its grand spires and blend of architectural influences, but rather due to its simplicity.

And tickets to the Convent of the Capuchos are your gateway to this world where modesty reigns supreme.

Explore the grounds and the surrounding old-growth forest and discover how the Franciscan friars made this humble abode their home — while living out their vows of extreme poverty.

Our helpful guide covers everything you need to know about visiting the Convent of the Capuchos, one of the most exciting attractions in Lisbon.

How much do Convent of the Capuchos tickets cost?

Tickets to the Convent of the Capuchos range between €5.50 and €7, making it a really affordable stop on your tour of Sintra and the surrounding region.

• Adults (aged 18 to 64): €7
• Children (aged 6 to 17): €5.50
• Seniors (aged 65 and over): €5.50
• Young children (aged 0 to 5): free

There’s a special bundle option available for families and it costs €22 for a group of two adults and two children — saving travelers €3.

Who is eligible for discounts?

Apart from the discounts available to children and seniors, there is also a discounted price available for Lisbon City Card holders — with 15% off the entry fee.

This discount is also applicable at other Parques de Sintra destinations like Monserrate Palace and the Castle of the Moors.

People with disabilities qualify for a discount of 70% when entering the Convent of the Capuchos, but will need to present relevant identification. If such a person needs a carer to accompany them, the carer may enter for free.

Should you book in advance?

While the Convent of the Capuchos is nowhere as popular as other destinations in Sintra, you should still consider booking a few days in advance.

This way you ensure a more pleasant experience while also gaining access to the accompanying audio guide app.

Booking in advance also provides peace of mind during peak tourist months because you’ll be guaranteed entry.

What are the most popular Convent of the Capuchos tours?

Finding the best tour to the Convent of the Capuchos largely depends on how you want to explore the somber compound and the surrounding area.

You can choose between an in-house tour offered by the employees from Parques de Sintra, a self-guided audio tour — and even a combination tour that features other attractions.

Convent of the Capuchos self-guided audio tour

When you book your Convent of the Capuchos tickets online you’ll have the opportunity to purchase an accompanying audio guide for €1 extra.

The audio guide app is then downloaded onto your phone and you’ll use it to discover the mysteries of the convent.

Walk the hallowed halls and the Courtyard of the Crosses and embrace the silence at the Chapel of the Passion of the Christ.

Get a sense of what life was like for the Franciscan friars who called this their home by spending some time in their living quarters. Or simply lose yourself in the lush forest that surrounds the convent — the choice is up to you.

In-house private guided tour of the Convent of the Capuchos

If you want a qualified tour guide to lead you and your travel companions through the convent it will cost €75 per group of 15 people.

This provides great value for money with larger groups, as your guide will shed some light on the history of the grounds — while also explaining what life in the convent was like.

The convent and its inhabitants shunned displays of wealth and decorations, so much of the finer details are hidden away — perfect for your qualified guide to point out and help you make sense of this monument of modesty.

After the tour, you can spend time in the woods that surround the convent and explore one of Portugal’s best examples of virgin forests.

Be sure to take your camera to capture unimaginable nature scenes — especially during early mornings and the golden glow of the late afternoon.

Are there any Convent of the Capuchos combo tickets or tours with other attracions?

Sintra is filled with unforgettable attractions — making a combination tour a perfect way to explore the area as well as the Convent of the Capuchos.

• Half-day group tour to the Convent of the Capuchos plus Pena Palace and Sintra Palace from Lisbon:

This half-day tour from Lisbon is perfect for travelers with limited time and budgets because it combines most of Sintra’s must-see locations — including Pena Palace and Sintra National Palace — into a single outing.

The excursion takes place as a small group tour that’s limited to a maximum of eight people.

You’ll start from your place of residence in Lisbon where an air-conditioned minibus will transport you to Sintra — where you’ll spend time exploring the city center and its many sights.

From there, it's on to the Sintra National Palace before heading to the iconic Pena Palace — an eclectic miss-match of colors and styles which combine into a mesmerizing whole.

Next, you’ll exchange the extraordinary for the solemn, as you walk the grounds of the Convent of the Capuchos. Spend some time exploring the friars’ humble quarters and learn why the building is also called the Convent of Cork.

The entire tour lasts 5 hours and will cost €65 per person. Entrance tickets to the attractions are not included in the tour price, but these can be booked online or at the on-site ticket office.

What will I see there?

The Convent of the Capuchos was built in the late 16th century — after João de Castro received a holy vision to construct a place of worship that focused on introspection and meditation.

The convent served as a home for friars of the Franciscan order who was known for their vows of extreme poverty.

As such, the convent is absent of any elaborate features or decoration — instead, it’s the building’s simplicity that still draws visitors to its hallowed halls.

The convent is located in the hills of Sintra and is surrounded by one of the best examples of old-growth forests in all of Portugal.

Following the disbanding of Portugal’s holy orders, the convent was purchased by Francis Cook — the visionary behind Monserrate Palace.

Today, the grounds are owned by the state, enabling visitors to explore the simplicity and refuge that the compound has to offer.

Where is the Convent of the Capuchos? How do I get there?

The Convent of the Capuchos is located to the east of Lisbon and it’s best reached during a full or half-day tour from Lisbon.

Alternatively, it can also form part of a self-drive tour — but some planning will be necessary to ensure you don’t skip over the many must-see attractions in the region.

What are the opening hours?

The Convent of the Capuchos is open every day of the year, except for Christmas (25 December) and New Year’s Day (1st January). The convent opens at 9 AM and closes at 6 PM, with ticket sales ceasing at 5 PM.

When is the best time to visit the Convent of the Capuchos?

The best time of year to visit the Convent of the Capuchos is from April to early May, and again from late August to October. During these months you’ll enjoy good weather with fewer fellow travelers.

The winter months of November and February should also be considered — and while it may be a bit colder the weather adds to the ambiance of the convent and its surrounding old-growth forest.

Sunday is the only busy time for the Convent of the Capuchos with the rest of the week being relatively quiet.

Which other attractions can be visited in Lisbon?

• Quinta da Regaleira
• Queluz Palace
• Jeronimos Monastery

Travel tips

• Always be respectful and dress conservatively when visiting places of worship.
• Wear warm clothes during the winter months.
• Wear hiking shoes when exploring the surrounding forest.
• Take your camera to capture some unforgettable scenes.
• The in-house tour is limited to the number of guides available — call and confirm after booking to avoid disappointment.