Convento dos Capuchos III

Also known as Convento da Cortiça, (cork) , the construction of this conventual house was promoted, in 1560, by D. Álvaro de Castro, state advisor to King D. Sebastião, as a result of a vote he made to his father, D. João de Castro , who dreamed of building a stripped-down temple there, dedicated to the practices of contemplation and introspection. This convent, where cork was used extensively in coverings and decoration, was named Convento de Santa Cruz da Serra de Sintra.