Sintra Glorious Sintra as mentioned by Lord Byron. Sintra is one of those places with a magical atmosphere located high in the hills on a strategic location. It was conquered by the Moors and Christians.  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.  Above photo of Sintra National Palace.

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.  More details at Quinta da Regaleira 

Monserrate Palace and Park

A short drive from the centre of Sintra you will find the Monserrate Palace and 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.  The interior of the palace has some beautiful architectural features with intricate wall designs and arches. There is also a library.

Monserrate is famous for its green park with its many trees, bushes and imported trees. It has cobble stone paths with steps winding through the vegetation, fountains, streams and a rose garden.  The stone paths descend to take you through the park and to the palace. From there it is a winding climb path to the exit.  Walking on these cobble stone paths may not be easy for some people!

Moors Castle

The Moors Castle was built in the 8th century in a strategic position atop the hills.  The castle fell into ruin being severely damaged in the 1755 earthquake.

The design of the palace is largely due to the efforts of King Ferdinand II of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha (1816-1885). This artist King devoted his time to restoring Sintra’s main monuments which he acquired in 1838.  You can see his work in the various monuments.  The Pena Palace and Park are one of his best works. The sightseeing bus  includes a stop here.

The Pena Palace

The Pena Palace, built in the 19th century, is located 527 metres above sea level.  Ferdinand of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, who married Queen Maria II in 1836, was responsible for restoring 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.

Visits to the Pena Palace require prior reservation and booking of a time slot and purchase of tickets.  Further information and tickets at  www.parquesdesintra.pt/en/      Tel: +351-219237300

We recommend a good pair of walking shoes as Sintra, glorious Sintra has a few steep hills to climb!

The storm on 20th March 2025 did some damage to the parks with fallen and uprooted trees.  Access is closed to some of the parks and venues such as the Convento dos Capuchos.

View of Moors Castle at the top from the Sintra National Palace

By Pat Rodrigues