Convento de Nossa Senhora do Desterro
Convento de Nossa Senhora do Desterro
Convento de Nossa Senhora do Desterro
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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3.5
97 reviews
Excellent
24
Very good
29
Average
25
Poor
10
Terrible
9
KathleenR_28
Port Dover, Canada6,349 contributions
Feb 2020
I saw the ruins from the center of town and became curious about it. I asked my friend if she wanted to check it out. The hike up was short and steep in one or two places. I loved the path that took us through a cork forest .. it was magical.
when we got to the ruins, aA man beckoned us inside. He seemed to live here with his brother, who showed us around and had so many stories (mostly weird) to tell.
It is too bad that this building, which I read somewhere was built in the 14th century, was not preserved. There must have been so much history behind this edifice. I read afterwards that a man is trying to buy this place to convert it into a hostel, would you believe! Such a shame.
The chatty brother took us outside to a higher level and we saw the views from up top. Beautiful.
Be wary of the guitarist on the hill, by the way. He expects anyone passing by to throw some euros his way and will cuss you if you dont. I read some people had worse experiences.
when we got to the ruins, aA man beckoned us inside. He seemed to live here with his brother, who showed us around and had so many stories (mostly weird) to tell.
It is too bad that this building, which I read somewhere was built in the 14th century, was not preserved. There must have been so much history behind this edifice. I read afterwards that a man is trying to buy this place to convert it into a hostel, would you believe! Such a shame.
The chatty brother took us outside to a higher level and we saw the views from up top. Beautiful.
Be wary of the guitarist on the hill, by the way. He expects anyone passing by to throw some euros his way and will cuss you if you dont. I read some people had worse experiences.
Written February 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Vinetou
Ljubljana, Slovenia647 contributions
May 2019
Be honest, I was expected more. But all together it was quite a nice break. Easy walking in a shadow of 15 minutes. On top a mixture of ruins and some solid part of the "Convento". Private property was written in red. All is looking quite strange. But the view on the city was nice.
Written December 5, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Bob C
Lincoln, UK46 contributions
Aug 2017 • Couples
It's about a 20 minute fairly steep uphill walk from Monchique square from where I believe it is signposted. We just followed our noses up through the little streets and alleys which was lovely until we stumbled upon a sign on the main route. Only drawback was that this was August and temperatures were pushing 85-90 degrees and like wallies we had omitted to take any water as we hadn't planned the hike! I am 61, my wife 52 and not terribly fit at the moment but we made it albeit red faced and dripping wet with sweat! The convent stands in an open wood of cork trees and is a very atmospheric, roofless ruin. Despite signs saying no entry, dog and family area, the little local guy in his garden welcomed us in through his own quarters and left us to it. Still remnants of a nice vaulted brick tile ceiling and some plasterwork plaques but not much else. However, it is really atmospheric as I said and feels special somehow. I tipped the live in custodian to thank him and as we were desperate for a drink, asked if we could get any water. He scuttled of and came back with a Sagres beer glass and led us to a pool in the garden in to which fed some of the Monchique spring water. He showed us it was good to drink and indicated another source for the plants that he said was not. No water ever tasted better, cold and sweet and 6 hours later, both ends are still fine so it must have been ok. We left to much back patting and smiling. Not Westminster Abbey but well worth the visit nonetheless. As we were off to lunch at the Restaurante Rampe just up the road to Foia, I dried my shirt by hanging it out of the car window as we drove off from the square, worked a treat!
Written August 14, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Isabel M
2 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
Very sad end of a very nice hike in Serra de Monchique. This place is abandoned, and in really bad conditions. I consider dangerous to go there. My only recommendation is to the Portuguese authorities to assume their responsabilities.
Written August 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Vinden_G
London, UK491 contributions
Jun 2021
There seems to be a family (or 2) living here. Graffiti signs say 'private family' keep out. So couldn't see much of it at all. Hiking up there in 34C weather was not worth it IMHO. Calm area with nice cork trees but I believe there's nothing to see in terms of an interior now it's 'occupied'.
Written June 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mags L
1 contribution
Nov 2018 • Couples
My boyfriend and I visited the convent or tried to. It was very hard to find and the streets are very tight to drive around, but by far the worst part of our visit was when we eventually found the entrance to the convent, parked up and started to walk up the hill, we were met by a terrifying vagrant with a guitar who swore abuse at us continuously. I felt so scared as though he might get violent at any moment. I would STRONGLY suggest you avoid this place of interest at all costs it is not safe!!!!
Written November 4, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sandra W
United Kingdom7 contributions
Nov 2016 • Couples
The lady in the tourist office is great, very pleasant indeed and suggests this walk. It is a pleasant walk until you meet a vagrant in the woods. He has a guitar but is not playing it. He is exceedingly aggressive and cusses and swears at you. The aggresssion could easily turn to violence. I go back to the tourist office so the kind lady in the office can do something about it. Her response is stunning. He has been a problem for some time, the police are aware but can do nothing unless you want to spend time with a formal complaint. Yet she stills suggests people go up there! Be warned protect yourself by not going there.
Written November 3, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lesterbeach
Winnipeg, Canada4,216 contributions
Mar 2018 • Solo
A 15 minutes walk up hill from the main square the route is pretty well marked. Although it says private if the resident is there he will let you in- I usually leave a few coins for him. Quite beautiful in its ruins. This is the fourth time I have been inside and it is one of my favourite things to do in the region.
Written March 20, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
WinnieacreZZ
Cork, Ireland62 contributions
Oct 2017 • Couples
This place is signposted as Convento from the town and is quite a steep walk over a rough path for the last part of the walk. As we walked along a strange man with a guitar jumped down from the wooded hillside and muttered to us in Portuguese. He was playing and singing in the middle of the path as we walked back down.
The building at the top is not remarkable and is in very poor condition. We were invited inside by a man who seemed to be living there. I got some atmospheric photos of the building and his chickens which were roaming around the site. We didn't stay long as the building did not look very safe to be inside as there are many bushes and trees growing everywhere and many of the window openings are held in place with tree branches tied together.
The wood along the pathway has cork trees which had been marked and a sign with details of their circumference etc and grade.
The building at the top is not remarkable and is in very poor condition. We were invited inside by a man who seemed to be living there. I got some atmospheric photos of the building and his chickens which were roaming around the site. We didn't stay long as the building did not look very safe to be inside as there are many bushes and trees growing everywhere and many of the window openings are held in place with tree branches tied together.
The wood along the pathway has cork trees which had been marked and a sign with details of their circumference etc and grade.
Written October 28, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lesterbeach
Winnipeg, Canada4,216 contributions
The monastery is about a half hour walk mostly uphill from the main square of Monchique. The path is well marked. It may be easier to drive through Monchique and the try parking near the top of the hill. The views all along the way are gorgeous. Near the monastery you walk through groves of cork trees. The monastery itself is in ruins but is still very pretty. People are living in the monastery and you cannot go in although last year when visiting one of the people living there asked me if I wanted to see the inside. This was a highlight of the visit. Roosters strutted throughout the monastery. Many of the rooms had collapsed ceilings. Some azulejos remain in places on the walls. It reminded me of bombed out cathedrals after the war. The family living there has found a small space inside where they can live. The resident asked me if I wanted to buy some of his fruit or herbal remedies. I purchased a few lemons for 1€ and he seemed happy. I was very grateful for the visit behind the scenes. Even though the sign says private see if you can get an interior tour but don't be pushy. I guarantee you will enjoy it.
Written March 18, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lorie C
Portimao, Portugal33 contributions
How old is this Convent?
Lesterbeach
Winnipeg, Canada4,216 contributions
No one ever says. I am guessing it was abandoned after the 1755 earthquake.
Convento de Nossa Senhora do Desterro (Monchique) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Convento de Nossa Senhora do Desterro
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