Why Sintra has so many palaces?

During the 19th century, Sintra was a popular destination for Europe's wealthy artisans and elite, who built elaborate mansions following the Romanticism style of architecture.



Sintra has an extraordinary concentration of palaces primarily because of its unique microclimate and its historical status as the summer retreat for the Portuguese royalty and aristocracy. Located in the cooling hills of the Serra de Sintra, the area is significantly cooler and more lush than the scorching streets of nearby Lisbon. Starting in the 15th century, the Portuguese kings built the National Palace, and by the 19th century, King Ferdinand II transformed a ruined monastery into the whimsical Pena Palace, sparking a "Romanticism" movement. This led wealthy elites and international millionaires to build their own extravagant estates, such as Quinta da Regaleira and Monserrate, to be near the court and enjoy the "eternal spring" weather. The resulting landscape is a dense collection of Moorish, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture, which earned the entire cultural landscape of Sintra a UNESCO World Heritage designation in 1995.

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Sintra is a town and municipality in Greater Lisbon and is famous for its collection of truly artistic Romanticist architecture, palaces, and other architecture. It is home to around five palaces and a dizzying number of other noted buildings and structures.

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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.

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Pena Palace is the new Palace, built in 19th century. Sintra Palace was started in 11th century with major addition in 14th century. However, the best is to visit both palaces and just admire Pena Palace from outside, and visit the interior of Sintra Palace - the unique and old palace of Sintra.

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The Romans, who ruled and colonized the territory of current-day Portugal for more than four centuries, built forts with high walls and strong towers to defend their populations.

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The Pena Palace (Portuguese: Palácio da Pena) is a Romanticist castle in São Pedro de Penaferrim, in the municipality of Sintra, on the Portuguese Riviera.

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Much more than a luxury hotel in Sintra, Tivoli Palacio de Seteais is a romantic palace with period architecture that will take you back to the elegance and atmosphere of the XVIII century.

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Sintra is generally a safe place, even during the night. It's a popular tourist destination and the local police maintain a solid presence. However, like anywhere, it's important to stay vigilant, especially when walking alone. Avoid deserted areas and always be aware of your surroundings.

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Sintra is a hilly town and since some palaces and castles are located a bit far away from each other, it's not always possible to walk everywhere. For bigger distances, you can use local buses, tuk-tuks, and taxis.

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The Pena Palace (Portuguese: Pal?cio da Pena) is a Romanticist castle in S?o Pedro de Penaferrim, in the municipality of Sintra, on the Portuguese Riviera.

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The Castle of the Moors is a hilltop medieval castle located in the central Portuguese civil parish of Santa Maria e São Miguel, in the municipality of Sintra, about 25 km northwest of Lisbon.

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It became the summer residence of the Royal family. Under his explicit command, the monastery was painted in red and the new building in yellow. In 1994 the original colours, which disappeared with time, red for the former monastery and yellow for the new palace were restored.

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It's historic center is famous for its 19th-century Romanticist architecture, historic estates and villas, gardens, and royal palaces and castles, which resulted in the classification of the town as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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In the heart of the Sintra forest and “Moon Hills” (so called because the ancient Celts worshipped their moon god here), Capuchos Convent otherwise known as the “Cork Convent” is a very atmospheric essential add on to any Sintra trip.

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Located just 30 kilometers from the Portuguese capital, Sintra is definitely worth a detour when staying in Lisbon. Classed in 1995 as a UNESCO world heritage site, it offers remarkable landscapes and monuments, giving it the nickname of glorious Eden.

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