In the heart of the Sintra forest and “Moon Hills” (so called because the ancient Celts worshipped their moon god here), Capuchos Convent otherwise known as the “Cork Convent” is a very atmospheric essential add on to any Sintra trip.

Sintra, a picturesque town near Lisbon, Portugal, has been known as the "Hill of the Moon" (Monte da Lua) since ancient times due to its deep connection to lunar mythology and the unique atmospheric conditions of the region. The name likely originates from the Celtic or pre-Roman cults that worshipped a moon goddess at the site, seeing the mist-covered peaks as a mystical bridge between Earth and the heavens. The Romans later associated the area with Cynthia (the goddess Diana), which is believed by some etymologists to be the root of the name "Sintra." Geographically, the microclimate of the Sintra Mountains often creates a high-fidelity "sea of clouds" or dense fog that wraps around the Moorish Castle and the Pena Palace, giving the landscape a ghostly, moonlit glow even during the day. This ethereal quality inspired Romantic-era poets like Lord Byron to call it a "glorious Eden." Today, the "Hill of the Moon" remains a symbol of the town's enchanting, almost supernatural beauty, where the blend of lush greenery, ancient stone walls, and persistent Atlantic mists creates an atmosphere that feels distinct from the sunny, sun-drenched coastal regions nearby.