09/02/2024
Sintra
To fully grasp all its beauties, one would need many days (perhaps weeks), and even then, there would always be something left to discover.
The hotspots of Sintra:
Pena National Palace
with its surrounding park epitomizing the height of romantic revivalism in Portugal.
Perched atop the Sintra Mountains, sprung from the imagination of D. Fernando, evolving into a true fairy-tale palace nestled upon immense rocks.
One of its most striking features is the fusion of architectural styles, from romanticism to neo-Gothic, with hints of neo-Moorish and neo-Manueline influences.
Quinta da Regaleira
Quinta da Regaleira and its palace stand as perhaps the most enigmatic and mystical sites in Sintra. Commissioned in the early 20th century by millionaire António Carvalho Monteiro, the building exemplifies the romantic revivalist style, blending Gothic, Manueline, and Renaissance elements, alongside esoteric symbolism.
Amidst the lush vegetation of the estate, highlights include the Chapel of the Holy Trinity and, notably, the famous enigmatic well, with its iconic spiral staircase… among other secrets within this fantastic estate.
Cabo da Roca
The westernmost point of continental Europe, ‘where the land ends and the sea begins,’ as written by Luís de Camões, is a must-visit location in the outskirts of Sintra (17 kilometers from the village), not only for its symbolism but also for the surrounding beauty, with the sea as a backdrop. There, you’ll also find a lighthouse, built in 1772, standing 165 meters above sea level.
The alternatives for us to enjoy Sintra less crowded:
Monserrate Palace
Constructed in 1856 as the summer residence for Francis Cook, Monserrate Palace stands as one of the most incredible creations of the romantic era.
Its interior unveils elegant and lavish spaces.
Surrounding the palace, Monserrate Park boasts a remarkable botanical collection with species from around the world, intertwining with native vegetation across 50 hectares.
Noteworthy features include the Fern Valley, hosting ferns from New Zealand and Australia, and the Mexico Valley, adorned with artificial lakes and a towering Araucaria tree standing over 45 meters tall.
Sintra National Palace
With its origins in the Moorish era, this palace in the heart of the town served as the residence of the Portuguese royal family since the 13th century. It stands as a unique example of Portuguese medieval palaces, showcasing various architectural styles (reflecting the tastes of different kings), ranging from Gothic to Mudéjar, and Manueline.
Moorish Castle
Perched on a rocky peak in the Sintra Mountains, possibly built between the 8th and 9th centuries, this castle bears witness to the Islamic presence in the region. After the Christian reconquest, it was expanded and reinforced several times. Besides its historical significance, it now serves as an incredible viewpoint, offering vistas of Sintra village and the surrounding region.
Countess of Edla Chalet
Built in the 19th century by D. Fernando II for his second wife, the Countess of Edla, this chalet follows the model of alpine chalets of the time. The garden, with its romantic features, hosts a botanical collection with hundreds of species, ranging from native vegetation to exotic specimens from around the world.
Santa Cruz Convent in the Sintra Mountains
Better known as the Capuchos Convent (or the Cork Convent), it was founded in 1560. This hermitage, nestled among rocks and dense vegetation, was initially inhabited by eight Franciscan friars from Arrábida, symbolizing the brotherhood ideal of this order. If you visit, you’ll be impressed by the tranquility of this place and the simplicity of its various spaces, especially the tiny cork-lined cells.
Biester Palace
‘Watched over’ for a long time by those passing through this area, by those exploring everything to visit in the vicinity of Portugal’s most romantic village, Biester Palace is the new ‘treasure’ of the 19th century to discover in Sintra. Construction of this palace dates back to the last 20 years of the 19th century (1880-1899), making it a unique example of romantic architecture and serving as the residence of the Biester family. There’s much more to discover about Biester Palace.
Queluz National Palace
Located in Queluz, still within the municipality of Sintra, it was commissioned by D. Pedro II, between 1747 and 1786, to serve as a royal residence. Both the palace and the garden reveal strong French and Italian influences. The collection includes elements of Baroque, Rocaille, and Neoclassical styles. Outside, there is a Botanical Garden, lakes, fountains, and the facilities of the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art, founded in 1979 to promote the teaching, practice, and dissemination of traditional Portuguese Equestrian Art. There are many secrets to discover in this palace.
Some of the beaten options:
Ribafria Estate
It’s one of Sintra’s best-kept secrets and one of the few places where foreign tourists are not yet the majority. Located near the mountains in the Lourel area, it boasts numerous green areas, lush trees, and a beautiful manor, built in 1541. After years of neglect, it became property of the municipality and now hosts events and welcomes visitors from the general public.
Valenças Palace
Located in the heart of Sintra village, this imposing building of revivalist architecture served as the residence of the Count of Valenças. Among its most intriguing features is a tile panel on the main facade depicting a gatekeeper. Currently housing the Sintra Municipal Archive, it previously served as the municipal library. Former employees used to say that a ghost named Palmira, a former maid of the count who committed su***de there due to an impossible love, resided within. Adjacent to it lies the beautiful Freedom Park, right in the heart of the village, boasting a vast array of rare plants.
Peninha
Overlooking Cabo da Roca, at almost 500 meters above sea level, Peninha is one of the most remarkable locations in the Sintra Mountains, not only for its incredible views but also for the buildings it houses. There lies a sanctuary with origins dating back to the formation of the Kingdom of Portugal (the current chapel dates from the 17th century) and a romantic revivalist-style mansion built in 1918. A Municipal Heritage site, it does not receive interior visits, so it can only be admired from the outside.
Beaches areas:
With many kilometers of coastline, the municipality of Sintra boasts numerous beaches worth visiting, despite the cold waters and strong waves that characterize most of them. Among the most famous are Praia Grande, Praia das Maçãs, and Praia da Adraga. Less known are the beaches of Aguda, Samarra, or São Julião, while the most secluded (though becoming increasingly less so) and inaccessible is Praia da Ursa, near Cabo da Roca. By the sea is also one of the most beautiful villages in Portugal, Azenhas do Mar, with its houses built along the hillside.
