Convento da Penha Longa, Medieval convent and national monument in Sintra, Portugal.
Convento da Penha Longa is a convent and national monument in Sintra that combines religious architecture with hotel facilities. The property includes cloisters, gardens, and the Igreja da Penha Longa church, which together form a complex spanning different periods.
The convent was founded in 1355 by friar Vasco Martins and later received royal support under King João I. This recognition established it as an important religious center for the Order of Saint Jerome.
The Igreja da Penha Longa displays Portuguese architectural elements with a Latin cross plan and gilded altarpiece in the Johannine style. The church remains a space where visitors can appreciate the craftsmanship of its decorations and understand how religious devotion shaped the design.
The property offers wheelchair access in various areas, making exploration possible for visitors with different mobility needs. Visiting on weekdays allows you to enjoy the grounds with fewer tourists and discover the spaces at a more relaxed pace.
The convent survived a major flood in 1627, which triggered royal-funded repairs that altered significant parts of its structure. These events left visible traces in the architecture that reflect its resilient history.
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