Convento dos Capuchos

Originally a convent built for Franciscan friars from the Order of Friars Minor (hence Capuchos from the Italian word Cappuccio which is the hood that many people associated to this order of friars). It lies within the Arriba Fóssil Protected landscape just above the town of Costa da Caparica. From the convent or the miradouro (view point) beside it you've got a great view of the whole coast, especially overlooking the Estoril/Cascais area as well as the mountain range of Sintra. The restored buildings have regained their charm and the shady garden is a lovely place to be, especially during those warm summer months.

The convent itself was founded in 1558 by Lourenço Pires de Távora, who belonged to one of the most noble and wealthy families back then and is also buried here in a small chapel. The Franciscan friars had their primary convent in the isolated hills of Arrábida a bit further south east, closer to Setúbal. This convent was an extension to their original lodgings and since the order is famous for it's frugal and plain living ideals the convent itself is not as opulent as some of other religious orders, thou there are some details that are really eye catching and very charming. There would have been enough space to house 40 friars, and aside from the church and the sleeping quarters there is also a kitchen, refectory, mill/press, cellar and a granary. Inside the church you may find images of St Francis of Assisi and St Dominique.

On the front facade of the church, you can see the symbols of the Franciscan order as well as the coat of arms of the Távoras. The beautiful blue and white tiles, called azulejos, probably date to the year of 1630 when the convent was expanded.  The convent flourished for a couple of generations before it fell into decline since their patrons, the Távoras, fell out of favour, got accused of trying to assassinate the king and got sentenced to death and executed by the order of the Marquis of Pombal, Sebastião José de Carvalho e Melo in the year of 1759. Another blow was when the religious orders in the country were forced to close and move out from the convents by the year of 1834, only 9 friars lived there then. Finally the municipality of Almada bought the convent in 1950, and the place underwent a restoration in 1952 which tried to stay true to the original design of the convent. Nowadays it works as a tourist attraction and where the municipality has events, musical concerts, as well as a space for exhibitions. One permanent exhibition is called "O Convento dos Capuchos, vida, memória e identidade" which is about the convent itself.

Catch the bus 124 from either Costa da Caparica or Cacilhas or go by car. Bring a picnic and some binoculars if you want to stay and enjoy that amazing view. The Convent is open during Wednesdays until Saturdays between 10 am - 18 pm.