In the 19th century Sintra became the first centre of European Romantic architecture. Ferdinand II turned a ruined monastery into a castle where this new sensitivity was displayed in the use of Gothic, Egyptian, Moorish and Renaissance elements and in the creation of a park blending local and exotic species of trees.

Sintra, Portugal, is a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its 19th-century Romantic architecture and its mystical, "fairytale" atmosphere. Located in the cooling hills of the Serra de Sintra, it served as a summer retreat for Portuguese royalty and elites for centuries. Its most famous landmark is the Pena Palace, a vibrant, eclectic castle that blends Moorish, Gothic, and Renaissance styles. Another highlight is Quinta da Regaleira, which features an "Initiation Well"—a 27-meter deep spiral staircase leading to hidden tunnels and grottoes filled with occult and Templar symbolism. The town is unique because it combines dense, lush forests with flamboyant palaces and ancient ruins, like the 8th-century Castelo dos Mouros. The cool microclimate often wraps the colorful palaces in a layer of mist, adding to the city's enigmatic charm. Many believe its whimsical designs served as the inspiration for the magical castles seen in classic Disney films.