Feeling at home in the Hotel Rural Convento dos Capuchos

If you’re looking for an excellent location from where to explore the Alto Minho area in the North of Portugal, Hotel Rural Convento dos Capuchos is the place. Located in Monção, this beautiful family run hotel is close to highlights as the Palácio da Brejoeira, the Ecopista do Minho trail and the Alvarinho wine museum. The hotel itself still shows the beauty of the ancient monastery and will surely make you feel at home.

Hotel history

The history of the convent goes back to the sixteenth century. Franciscan nuns founded a convent at this location in the centre of Monção, but abonded it around 200 years later. After that the Capuchin Monks moved in and dedicated the convent to Santo António. They lived there for years, made various adaptations and expanded the area.

In 1834 the Portuguese government expelled all religious orders and the monks had to leave. The Convento dos Capuchos then became known as the Quinta (farm) dos Capuchos, and was bought by an illustrious nobleman, called the Baron of São Roque. In 1905 José António de Azevedo Rodrigues, the grandfather of the current owners, purchased the property.

When the family decided to turn the convent into a hotel, they wanted to make sure that the history of the building would be preserved. They succeeded very much in doing so, and the luxurious feel matches the original characteristics perfectly.

The rooms

The rooms in this former convent are suitably called ‘cells’. There are 24 of them, all with a different decoration and design. Most of them are located in the main building, but there is also the Garden Wing, where less historical rooms give direct access to the garden. A very special room is the Tower Cell, located under the tower of the Capuchos church. A rope hangs down from the ceiling, which used to be pulled by the monks to ring the bell.

The restaurant

Well known in the area is the Cozinha do Convento, the hotel’s restaurant. It’s frequented not only by hotel guests, but by many other visitors. The wonderful regional and fresh dishes have everything to do with that. It’s open for both lunch and dinner all year through.

Other facilities

This 4 star hotel is further equipped with a big outdoor swimming pool, a small spa, a tennis court, playground, mini-golf course and magnificent garden. In this garden even more elements from the monastery can be found, like the Monk’s fountain and the Corner of the Monk’s Well.

Personal experience

For me, three things really make the Convento dos Capuchos hotel stand out. First of all the kindness of the family running the hotel. You immediately feel the love they have for this unique property, and their passion about sharing it with the guests.

My second highlight is the garden, which is so big and has many beautiful flowers and plants. I visited this hotel twice, both in spring, when the magnolia trees were in full bloom. Amazing! It’s so nice to have a walk in the garden early morning, watching the fish in the fountain and smell all those delicious smells of nature.

Last but not least, I would recommend everybody to go to the restaurant. Even if you don’t want to sleep in the hotel, try some of the delicious food they serve. It may feel a bit fancy, but you will be just as welcome in your cycling or hiking outfit.

Where

The Hotel Rural Convento dos Capuchos is located in the centre of Monção, a town along the border with Spain. The region is called Alto Minho, famous for its vinho verde (green wine). It will take you around 1,5 hour to drive to the hotel from Porto airport.

More information

Read more about the hotel, or make you booking through the website. You can also follow the hotel on Facebook for the latest news. The Hotel Rural Convento dos Capuchos is one of many rural hotels in Portugal. Find more on Hotéis Rurais de Portugal.

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