“The Faith Woods” | Convento dos Capuchos, Sintra (Portugal)
“These woods whisper so loudly, and grow with such a brute force unto me, that no matter what, all I can do is to retreat to contemplation…”
José Ramos ©
Historical context:
“The Convent of Capuchos of Sintra is one of the many examples of 16th century religious piety in Portugal and became known for the extreme simplicity of its construction. Built on a very small scale with cells and dormitory lined with cork and a chapel whose vault is formed by rock itself.
The Convent followed the principle of universal fraternity and brotherhood of the Franciscan monks. The inhabitants belonged to the Province of Arrábida (South of Lisbon), of the Order of Friars Minor Regular and Observant (Grey Friars).
The gateway to the Convent, a simple roof with a ceiling and wooden beams covered with cork, is a just expression of the privation and perseverance that guided this building, divested of decorative elements.
Still occupied at the end of the 18th century, The Convent of Capuchos of Santa Cruz may have been abandoned in 1834 with the extinction of the religious orders determined by the liberal regime. The remaining artistic elements in the convent are now in a very bad condition, partly as a result of the passage of time, but mostly due to the vandalism this monument has suffered.”