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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant light
Monastery of Monchique Ruins Porto
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant light

Highlights
Must-see attractions
An architecturally significant, yet inaccessible, monastery ruin in Porto, offering beautiful exterior views and charming, steep surrounding streets.
"An architectural gem in a deplorable state and impossible to visit."
👟 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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.

Bandeirinha Alley
Near the Monastery
Wander through this picturesque alley, discovering beautiful old residences and buildings. Be mindful of the steep incline.
Porto City Views
From surrounding hills
Enjoy panoramic views of Porto, with the Monastery ruins often visible as part of the cityscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Access & Preservation
Navigating Steep Streets
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 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.
🗺️ Explore Nearby Alleys
Discover charming streets like Bandeirinha for a glimpse into Porto's historic residential areas.
💡 Learn the History
Research the monastery's past before visiting to enhance your appreciation of its significance.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 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.
🗺️ Explore Nearby Alleys
Discover charming streets like Bandeirinha for a glimpse into Porto's historic residential areas.
💡 Learn the History
Research the monastery's past before visiting to enhance your appreciation of its significance.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
🎫 🧭 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.
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.
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.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Walkers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Monastery's Surroundings
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. 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.
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. 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
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. 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.
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit