Hidden Treasures of Palaces and Castles
Discover the picturesque Serra de Sintra and step into an enchanted world of historic palaces and castles. They transport us to bygone times and past adventures, inviting exploration.
Discover five selected treasures to ensure your best experience exploring this mystical place and encountering nature.
Serra de Sintra
Serra de Sintra, also known as Monte da Lua, is classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, in the category of Cultural Landscape. The mountain is the protagonist of this landscape, which holds fantastic places that you won’t want to miss.
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For now, we’ll offer our tips for visiting Sintra so you can start dreaming of your own perfect trip!
01. Pena National Palace
Perched atop the hill, Pena National Palace stands out in the landscape, embodying the romantic essence of Sintra.
In the late 18th to early 19th century, Romanticism flourished across Europe. In Portugal, it found expression through Ferdinand of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, later known as Dom Fernando II upon marrying Queen Dona Maria II. During a visit in the mid-19th century, Dom Fernando II was captivated by Sintra’s scenery, leading him to acquire a former monastery and its surroundings for a royal summer retreat.
Guided by his friend Baron von Eschwege, construction of the palace began, showcasing a blend of romantic architectural styles: neo-Gothic, neo-Moorish, neo-Manueline, and neo-Renaissance. The result is a masterpiece filled with intricate details that reflect a fusion of Eastern and Western artistry.
The enchanting park surrounding the palace, designed by Dom Fernando II, features carefully selected plant species and landscaped gardens. Together, the Park and Palace of Pena epitomize 19th century Romanticism in Portugal, resembling a fairy tale brought to life.
02. National Palace of Sintra
The National Palace of Sintra dominates the landscape with its iconic chimneys, symbolizing the essence of the area.
Dating back to the Arab occupation, the millennia-old history of the Paço da Vila de Sintra unfolds through various architectural phases. While it frequently hosted the court, it was never a permanent residence, yet it always boasted luxurious decorations. Highlights include the Swan Room, the Coat of Arms Room, and the Chapel, showcasing a blend of Muslim and Christian styles.
The Sala dos Brasões features the coat of arms of Dom Manuel I, his sons, and 72 influential Portuguese noble families. This heraldic display remains a significant national reference, revered by Portuguese and their descendants worldwide. The harmonious fusion of Gothic, Mudejar, and Renaissance elements in its architecture preserves pivotal moments in Portugal’s history and its exploration of new worlds.
03. The Palace of Monserrate
The Palace of Monserrate is marked by an exotic atmosphere and oriental trends. Built by Sir Francis Cook, 1st Viscount of Monserrate, in the romantic style of the time, harmonizing Gothic, Indian and Arab elements in its decoration, it evokes the imagination of a palace of the thousand and one nights. Outside, we can also explore a lush park with exotic species. Make sure to visit in summer, whre the gardens are improvised amphitheaters for musical shows.
04. The Moorish Castle
The Castelo dos Mouros is a military fortification of the 10th century, built by the Muslim populations that occupied the Iberian Peninsula. It occupies a fundamental strategic position, playing an important role in the defense of the local territory and the maritime accesses to the city of Lisbon. The walls adapt to the zigzag terrain, climbing over rocky blocks and surrounded by a dense forest. Inside the castle, you can discover the Silos, the Alcáçova, the Old Stables, the Tomb, the Cistern, among others.
05. Quinta da Regaleira
The Quinta da Regaleira was built at the end of the 19th century with the romantic spirit and ideals. This fascinating set of buildings and lush garden is the reflection of the philosophical and initiatory interests of its owner, António Augusto Carvalho Monteiro, allied to the talent of the architect-scenographer Luigi Manini. More than a touristic tour, visiting Quinta da Regaleira is to travel in an imaginary universe of symbols and metaphors. In Sintra’s Cultural Landscape, a gigantic stone screen stands, enduring testimony to an artistic temperament that is part of the village’s genetic code.
What do you think? Did we cover enough of the places to visit in Sintra, that you feel ready to take a trip right now? We hope so! There is so much more to enjoy here in our home country, so we invite you to get in touch to plan your own perfect itinerary. We’d love to help you see the very best of Portugal!
