Monastery of Monchique Ruins, Porto - An old stone building with multiple arches.
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Monastery of Monchique Ruins Porto

4.1
·16 reviews·Porto, Portugal

An architecturally significant, yet inaccessible, monastery ruin in Porto, offering beautiful exterior views and charming, steep surrounding streets.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning

Fewer crowds, pleasant light

CrowdLow
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Monastery of Monchique Ruins, Porto - An old stone building with multiple arches.

Monastery of Monchique Ruins Porto

Best Time

Morning

Fewer crowds, pleasant light

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

An architecturally significant, yet inaccessible, monastery ruin in Porto, offering beautiful exterior views and charming, steep surrounding streets.

4.1
(16 reviews)

"An architectural gem in a deplorable state and impossible to visit."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The streets are steep and cobblestoned; good footwear is a must for exploring the area.

📸 Admire from Afar

Since interior access is closed, focus on appreciating the monastery's exterior beauty and surrounding architecture.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Exterior Architecture

Exterior Architecture

Viewpoints from Crystal Palace Gardens

Admire the grand exterior of this architectural gem, even if interior access is impossible. Its beauty is captivating from afar.

Reddit
Bandeirinha Alley

Bandeirinha Alley

Near the Monastery

Wander through this picturesque alley, discovering beautiful old residences and buildings. Be mindful of the steep incline.

Reddit
Porto City Views

Porto City Views

From surrounding hills

Enjoy panoramic views of Porto, with the Monastery ruins often visible as part of the cityscape.

TikTok
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Planning Your Visit

Access & Preservation

The Monastery of Monchique ruins are currently inaccessible for interior visits due to their state of disrepair and ongoing habitation by residents. While you can admire its exterior beauty, plan your visit around appreciating the architecture from surrounding viewpoints and the charming, albeit steep, alleyways nearby. Reddit

Navigating Steep Streets

Be prepared for steep slopes and cobblestone streets when exploring the area around the Monastery of Monchique ruins. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for navigating these charming but challenging paths, especially if you plan to explore alleys like Bandeirinha. TikTokReddit

Best Times

When
Morning
Why
Fewer crowds, pleasant light
Crowd
Low
When
Late Afternoon
Why
Golden hour for photos
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

My 9 favorite viewpoints in Porto👇🏻 As you may know, Porto is my hometown… but even after all these years, these viewpoints still give me goosebumps 🤭! Here is my top 9: 📍 Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar: actually located in Vila Nova de Gaia (as are many on this list); it’s an easy walk from Porto by taking the top level of the Ponte D. Luís bridge. 📍 Porto Cathedral & Terreiro da Sé Street: the acces...
@getawayswithmarta
28.2K likes • 303.9K views

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The streets are steep and cobblestoned; good footwear is a must for exploring the area. TikTokReddit

📸 Admire from Afar

Since interior access is closed, focus on appreciating the monastery's exterior beauty and surrounding architecture. Reddit

These will make you fall in love with Porto 🧡 #visitportugal #portoportugal #visitporto #portugaltravel #travel #europetravel #solotravel #traveltips
@cristifadel
25K likes • 625.9K views
Here’s everything you need to know about visiting the stunning Palácio da Bolsa in Porto 👇🏻 Palácio da Bolsa is probably my favorite building to visit in all of Porto, and if you take a look inside, I think you’ll most probably agree with me! 🏰 Visiting hours: Palácio da Bolsa is open almost every day from 9 am to 6:30 pm. Keep in mind that it might be closed for an event, so it’s a good idea to c...
@getawayswithmarta
24.6K likes • 321.8K views

🗺️ Explore Nearby Alleys

Discover charming streets like Bandeirinha for a glimpse into Porto's historic residential areas. Reddit

💡 Learn the History

Research the monastery's past before visiting to enhance your appreciation of its significance. Reddit

Save for your next trip to Porto 🇵🇹 #porto #traveltok #traveltips
@jyptravels
24.4K likes • 832.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The streets are steep and cobblestoned; good footwear is a must for exploring the area. TikTokReddit

📸 Admire from Afar

Since interior access is closed, focus on appreciating the monastery's exterior beauty and surrounding architecture. Reddit

🗺️ Explore Nearby Alleys

Discover charming streets like Bandeirinha for a glimpse into Porto's historic residential areas. Reddit

💡 Learn the History

Research the monastery's past before visiting to enhance your appreciation of its significance. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.1
(16 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Monastery of Monchique ruins to be an architecturally significant site, beautiful to admire from the outside. However, the primary drawback is its inaccessibility due to its state of disrepair and ongoing habitation, leaving many wishing for interior access. The surrounding steep streets are noted for their charm but require careful navigation.

"All closed. But beautiful walk around it"

Artur Pires

"The place itself is beautiful, except from the outside, because you can't get inside. Be careful with the steep slopes of the narrow streets. It would be great to be able to go inside; it has quite an interesting history."

Anhelí Alcorta

"An architectural gem in a deplorable state and impossible to visit. I saw it from the gardens of the Crystal Palace and fell in love with the building. I hope one day they restore it."

Miguel Angel Herrero

What People Like

Beautiful exterior architecture
Picturesque surrounding streets
Historic significance

What People Dislike

Inaccessible interior
Steep and challenging paths

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Monastery of Monchique ruins are located in Porto. You can reach the general area by public transport or taxi. From there, it's a walk, but be prepared for steep, narrow streets. TikTokReddit

Parking in the historic center of Porto can be challenging. It's often best to use public transport or ride-sharing services like Bolt, which is recommended for its affordability. TikTok

Yes, you can walk, but be aware that Porto is a hilly city. The walk to the monastery involves steep inclines and cobblestone streets, so wear comfortable shoes. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Unfortunately, the Monastery of Monchique ruins are not open for interior visits. They are in a state of disrepair and some parts are inhabited. Reddit+1

As the ruins are not accessible for interior visits, there are no entrance fees. You can view the exterior and explore the surrounding area freely. Reddit

Since the monastery is not open for tours, there are no set opening hours. You can view its exterior at any time, but it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and visibility. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

While you can't go inside, you can admire the impressive exterior architecture of the monastery. The surrounding streets, like Bandeirinha alley, offer charming views of historic buildings. Reddit+1

The area is generally safe, but the streets can be steep and uneven. It's advisable to be cautious, especially in narrow alleys, and wear appropriate footwear. Reddit

Yes, the exterior of the monastery itself is a great photo subject. Additionally, the views of Porto from the surrounding hills offer excellent photographic potential. TikTokReddit

The monastery has a significant history in Porto, though it's currently in a state of disrepair. Researching its past can enhance your visit and appreciation for its architectural value. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While the Monastery of Monchique ruins themselves are not explorable inside, the surrounding area can still be an interesting, albeit challenging, walk for families. The steep, narrow streets offer a unique urban exploration experience, but ensure children are supervised closely due to the inclines. Reddit Consider focusing on the exterior views and perhaps a picnic in a nearby park with a view of the city, where the monastery might be visible from a distance. TikTok

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers & Walkers

Solo travelers will find the exploration around the Monastery of Monchique ruins to be a rewarding experience, allowing for independent discovery of Porto's historic nooks. The steep streets and alleys, like Bandeirinha, are perfect for those who enjoy a good walk and uncovering hidden gems. Reddit Just be sure to wear comfortable shoes, as recommended by many travelers, and perhaps download a ride-sharing app like Bolt for easier navigation back if the hills become too much. TikTok+1

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, the Monastery of Monchique ruins offer a compelling subject, particularly its exterior architecture and the atmospheric surrounding streets. Reddit Capture the textures of the old buildings and the dramatic inclines of alleys like Bandeirinha. Reddit The best light for photographing the ruins and the wider Porto cityscape is often during the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon. TikTok+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Monastery's Surroundings

While the Monastery of Monchique ruins themselves are closed to the public, the charm of the area lies in its exploration. Visitors often recommend wandering through the narrow, steep streets that lead to and from the monastery. Bandeirinha alley is frequently mentioned as a particularly picturesque route, offering glimpses of old residences and a sense of Porto's historic character. Reddit Remember that these streets are cobblestoned and can be quite steep, so comfortable walking shoes are a must. TikTok

Many visitors find that the best way to appreciate the monastery is from viewpoints that offer a broader perspective of the city. The Crystal Palace Gardens are often cited as a location from which the monastery's impressive exterior can be admired. Reddit This allows you to take in the scale and architectural details of the building without needing to access its interior, providing a satisfying visual experience. Reddit

It's important to manage expectations regarding interior access. The monastery is described as being in a 'deplorable state' and some parts are inhabited, which explains its inaccessibility. Reddit However, the historical significance and architectural beauty are still evident from the outside, making it a worthwhile stop for those interested in Porto's heritage.

Porto's Viewpoints and Cityscapes

The Monastery of Monchique ruins, though inaccessible, contribute to the overall scenic beauty of Porto when viewed from various vantage points. Many travelers highlight the importance of seeking out elevated spots to capture the essence of the city. Palacio da Bolsa and Porto Cathedral are frequently mentioned as places offering stunning city views, and the monastery can often be spotted within these panoramas. TikTok

For truly iconic vistas, consider crossing the Ponte D. Luís I bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia. From this side, you get a breathtaking perspective of Porto's Ribeira district and the Douro River. TikTok+1 While not directly featuring the monastery, these viewpoints are crucial for understanding Porto's urban landscape, where the monastery is a historical element. Many TikTok creators showcase these panoramic views, emphasizing their must-see status for any visitor. TikTok+1

When planning your exploration, remember that Porto is a city best experienced on foot, and many of its most rewarding sights are discovered by simply wandering. The combination of historic architecture, riverfront charm, and elevated viewpoints creates a memorable travel experience, with the Monastery of Monchique ruins serving as a poignant reminder of the city's rich past. TikTok

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