6 Must-See Places in Sintra

A long time ago, near Lisbon, among the Sierra da Sintra hills, the first buildings of the picturesque town of Sintra were built. Even if it sounds like a fairy tale, it is quite an authentic story.

The Pena Palace

If you can think of any picture of Sintra, it is definitely the Pena National Palace. Although this fairy-tale building is hidden among the green of the trees and the gray of mists often floating among the hills, its façade is visible from afar thanks to its vivid colors. The building was originally constructed as a monastery, and its later palace function and its present appearance are largely due to King Ferdinand II.

It comes as no surprise that the Pena National Palace has been included in the list of the seven wonders of Portugal. Its interior is a maze of royal rooms that still hide original equipment and gilded decorations. However, the building mesmerizes you even before you enter it. The intricate details of the façade and the original, detailed decorations of the portals attract your attention. The park surrounding the fortress is an integral part of it, and the atmospheric alleys and diverse vegetation emphasize its romantic character.

Sintra National Palace

In the heart of Sintra lies the National Palace which is the witness of the most significant events in the history of the country. In the past, it was the favorite residence of many Portuguese rulers. Built during the reign of the Moors, it underwent numerous reconstructions over the centuries. This is evidenced by its present-day appearance, combining various architectural styles, among which Gothic and Manueline elements dominate. The walls of the palace hide unusual rooms, each of which dazzles you with its unique appearance. The walls are decorated with paintings, murals and colorful azulejos. Among the sumptuous chambers there is also a chapel and a kitchen. The latter houses two chimneys, visible from the outside, which, due to their characteristic appearance, are one of the symbols of Sintra.

Monserrate Palace and Park

Even though it is not one of the most famous elements of the monuments complex in Sintra, its sight takes your breath away from the very first moment. From 1540, when the first buildings were built there, this place was a place of worship. For it to become an extraordinary palace, boasting today’s appearance, the building had to be taken over by Francis Cook, a British art collector.

The history of the building is very interesting, but what attracts attention in the first place is its architecture. Before entering, you will be fascinated by the numerous details, intricate decorations and the harmony between the stone facade, columns and lace ornaments of the arches. The interior is a continuation of similar decorations and another portion of arches supported by columns with meticulous capitals. Visitors are delighted with both the ornaments and the vaults as well as the body of the building itself. The surrounding park harmoniously complements the exotic appearance of the Monserrate Palace. It proudly represents Portuguese Romanticism, and its greatest pride is botanical specimens imported from all over the world, from Mexico to Japan.

Castelo dos Mouros

Castelo dos Mouros, or the Castle of the Moors, is today one of the most important monuments of Sintra and a point offering extraordinary views. Its strategic location on the hill resulted from the defensive nature of this fortification. Built on high rocks, Castelo dos Mouros allowed both to observe the access to Lisbon by sea and to prevent land invasions.

Thanks to archaeological excavations, it is known that over the centuries the castle was inhabited by many peoples. While it is definitely one of the most peaceful areas of Sintra, and your visit will be mainly about admiring the castle’s granite walls, you will be surprised how much it has to offer to visitors. You can see the interior of the five towers and admire a different panorama of the town from the top of each of them. Inside you will also find the oldest chapel of Sintra, built on the ruins of a mosque. Don’t forget to check out the old granaries inside the walls, which bring the history of this place even closer.

Quinta da Regaleira

Do you like the atmosphere of dark castles and haunted forests? Quinta da Regaleira will take you to such a place – a huge, mysterious park, whose intricate paths will make you feel like in a fairy tale. At the very entrance to the property there is Regaleira Palace, the interior of which is an ideal introduction to sightseeing.

However, it is not the palace that is the main attraction here, but the park itself. Its showpiece are winding, chaotic paths, numerous tunnels and caves. In many places, it is water that plays first fiddle, as it appears there in the form of waterfalls or lakes. The star of Quinta da Regaleir is the Initiation Well, to which a complex network of tunnels leads. If you don’t want to get lost there, get a map at the entrance to the park. It may prove very useful!

Sintra Myths and Legends Interactive Center

Sintra, as befits a fairy-tale land, is shrouded in mystery associated with local stories, myths and legends. All of them are gathered in the Interactive Center of Myths and Legends of Sintra, which engages the visitors’ senses. Thanks to a unique combination of creativity and technology, it promotes the most interesting stories of the city. This zone, with the help of history, music, play of lights and literature, creates an interesting mixture of reality and fiction. There you will discover the story of the death of some two brothers, the secrets of the life of mythical creatures and the secrets hidden by the aforementioned Well of Initiation of Quinta da Regaleira. With the attractions of the museum, gathered in 17 rooms, you can be sure that you will not get bored!

Interesting places to visit in Portugal