This little monastery, constructed amid the rocks of Sintra in fulfilment of a vow by Dom Álvaro de Castro (1560), its cells and dependencies lined with cork, is a wonderful example of Christian austerity in its simplicity of decoration and meagre materials and space. The little chapel, the refectory, the living quarters, almost troglodyte in dimension, are cut into the crags, and underline the intention of meditation inherent in the project. In the chapel are to be noted the altar with inlay work, some 17th Century frescos by André Reinoso and an 18th Century frontispiece of azulejos, the last named in the outer chapel.

Situated in the Serra de Sintra, 9 km from Old Quarter
Opening hours: Nov - April 9.30 - 18.00 / May - Oct 9.00 - 19.00
Open daily
Admission Adults: 4 €
Senior Citizens & 15 - 25 yr olds: Discount
Guided tours: 8 € (pre-book tel. 21 923 73 00)