Portugal Photo Journal - Part 4: The Capuchos Monastery in the Sintra Mountains

The smell of fall snaked its way into our noses and we crunched on fallen sycamore leaves as we wandered through this delightful shire-like former religious retreat: the Capuchos Monastery. 

The monastery was surrounded by ancient trees, huge granite boulders, moss, and ferns. The vegetation sets the tone with its damp and quiet air.  

Some of the larges boulders had been built right into the monastery. 

The monks rooms were each tiny... short doors, and just enough space for a small person to lie down. 

Although a bit small and cold, the light coming in was filtered and peaceful.  I could see how this place could be a place of quiet contemplation. 

A lot of the surfaces were covered in cork from the cork oaks that dominate Portugal's economy. 

This gives you an idea of how small the rooms were!

Hobbit kitchen

A cork oak.