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Discover
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Portugal
Algarve
Monchique

Convent of Nossa Senhora do Desterro

Discover
Places to see
Portugal
Algarve
Monchique

Convent of Nossa Senhora do Desterro

Highlight • Religious Site

Convent of Nossa Senhora do Desterro

Recommended by 138 hikers out of 148

This Highlight is in a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Monchique

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    Best Hikes to Convent of Nossa Senhora do Desterro

    3.8

    (110)

    386

    hikers

    1. From Monchique to Fóia — circular route

    10.8km

    03:27

    440m

    440m

    Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

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    Moderate

    4.2

    (11)

    81

    hikers

    Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    Easy

    Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    Moderate

    Tips

    November 6, 2025

    Founded in 1631 by Pêro (or Pedro) da Silva, nicknamed "Mole," who later became Viceroy of India, the Convent of Our Lady of Exile now rests in ruins, shrouded in legend and silence. It is said to have originated from a promise made at sea, and that its founder brought back from India a small ivory image, still kept as a relic.

    Even abandoned, the convent retains the charm of the place where it was built: among trees and views that seem to embrace the entire mountain range.

    Translated by Google •

      November 5, 2019

      Heavily dilapidated former Franciscan monastery. The ruin is inhabited by a family, but the master of the house likes to give a "guided tour" ... The convent Nossa Senhora do Desterro was built in 1631 on behalf of the noble Franciscan Dom Pêro da Silva, who later became viceroy of India. Old records testify that the monks also played an important role in the teaching of knowledge and culture in Monchique, but fate was not their mercy: In the 18th century, three earthquakes damaged the building heavily, money for renovation was missing. Then, when Queen Dona Maria II, liberal-inclined, decreed the closure of religious orders and the nationalization of the monasteries in 1834, the Franciscans left the place

      Translated by Google •

        November 5, 2019

        Too bad that it has fallen so much ... still worth a visit

        Translated by Google •

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          Details

          Informations

          Elevation 510 m

          Weather

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          Today

          Tuesday 9 December

          18°C

          11°C

          90 %

          If you start your activity now...

          Max wind speed: 20.0 km/h

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          Location: Monchique, Algarve, Portugal

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