Convento Nossa Senhora do Desterro Peter Broster CC BY-SA Nossa Senhora do Desterro ruins muffinn CC BY-SA Nossa Senhora do Desterro muffinn CC BY-SA A fifteen-minute uphill walk from the cobbled streets of central Monchique is the Convento Nossa Senhora do Desterro. This ruined seventeenth century monastery had been used by the Franciscan order of monks until one day in 1755 when it was shaken to its foundations by the same earthquake that destroyed much of Lisbon. Since then, it was first partially rebuilt and then eventually abandoned for a second time, creating a unique, eerie atmosphere that has seen the natural surroundings slowly creep among the ancient stones, including what is reputed to be Europe's largest magnolia tree. Well-worth the climb for the views back towards Monchique alone, the monastery stands on private land, but for years the owners have been happily welcoming the inquisitive in to explore what remains. Address Caminho do Convento The Algarve Monchique 8550 Phone +351 282 910 200 Attraction type Churches Monchique travel guide » Rising up between the Algarve and neighbouring Alentejo region is the Serra de Monchique, a range of rolling mountains clad in heavy forest. Here you will find the highest point on the Algarve; standing at 902m (2,959ft) is the peak of Fóia with its all encompassing views which span the Algarve's south and west coasts all the way to Cabo de São Vicente.A few kilometres to the east of Fóia is the… Things to do in Monchique Monchique Accommodation Photos of Monchique