Sintra is one of those places with a magical atmosphere located high in the hills on a strategic location. It was conquered by both Moors and Christians. Lord Byron called Sintra Glorious Sintra. Luís Camões, Portugal’s epic poet and writer, read his Lusiadas from the castle. Kings and Queens spent their summers here and retreated from here. This glorious Sintra is classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
The Royal or National Palace
A favourite of the Royal family who spent their vacations in Sintra the National Palace stands majestically in the centre. It has two prominent conical chimneys. The palace has a rich display of antique azulejos (tiles).
The Quinta da Regaleira
Antonio Carvalho Monteiro acquired the property in 1892. He hired the Italian architect Luigi Mannini to design the palace in the neo-manueline style. The building includes a Hunting or Dining Room with hunting scenes and sculptures. The Billiard or Monarch’s Room has paintings engraved of Portuguese monarchs in the wooden ceiling. These are from Portugal’s first King Afonso Henriques to King João V. The gardens are full of mythological statues, ponds, grottoes. It also has an Initiation Well which followed masonic rituals. Open 10am to 5.30pm. To book visits please call +351-21-9106650.
Monserrate Palace and Park
A short drive from the centre you will find the Monserrate Park . In the 16th Century Abbot Gaspar Preto constructed a chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Monserrate. Gerard de Visme began constructing the small palace here in 1790. William Beckford (1760-1844) rented the property. In 1863 Francis Cook bought the estate and began constructing the palace in moorish style. It was open to the public after going through restoration work. Cook was a rich man and furnished the palace with various art collections. Monserrate is famous for its park with its imported trees. It has paths winding through the vegetation, fountains and a rose garden.
Moors Castle
The Moors Castle was built in the 8th century in a strategic position atop the hills. Along the years the castle fell into ruin. It was severely damaged in the 1755 earthquake.
The present palace is largely due to the efforts of King Ferdinand II of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha (1816-1885). The artist King devoted his time to restoring Sintra’s main monuments when he acquired them in 1838. The Pena Palace and Park are one of his best works. The sightseeing bus includes a stop here.
The Pena Palace
It is 527 metres above sea level. It was built in the 19th century.
Ferdinand of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha who married Queen Maria II in 1836 restored the monuments in Sintra.
The original palace was built during the reign of King João II. The Jeronimos monks ran it. King Manuel I built the convent in stone and dedicated it to Our Lady of Pena. It collapsed in the 1755 earthquake. The palace is a mixture of Gothic, Manueline, Islamic and Rennaissence styles. From the palace there are spectacular views. The interior has carved ceilings, antiques and exotic wood.
We recommend a good pair of walking shoes as Sintra, glorious Sintra has a few steep hills to climb!
Pat Rodrigues