Location: Sintra
Top Things to do in Sintra
The 7 Best Historic Sites in Sintra, Central Portugal
Long the home of Portugal’s monarchs, Sintra is a magnificent town of marvelous historic mansions, all set against the backdrop of lush hills. Sintra’s many castles include the Palácio Nacional de Sintra (a main abode of Portuguese royalty until the early 20th century), the hilltop and storybook Palácio da Pena, Quinta de Regaleira (incorporating several architectural styles and with gorgeous surrounding gardens), the Castelo dos Mouros (Moorish Castle), and the Palácio de Monserrate.
Restaurants in Sintra
1. Miradouro Santa Eufemia
2. Pelourinho Do Palacio Nacional De Sintra
3. Castelo dos Mouros
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,492 reviews
The Moorish Castle is a military fortification that bears witness to the Islamic presence in the region, and was probably constructed between the eighth and ninth centuries and later expanded after the Reconquista. Overlooking the town of Sintra, it served as a watchtower, guaranteeing the protection of Lisbon and its surroundings.
Reviewed By howardform
Everyone comes to Sintra for Pena Palace and frankly I liked the Moorish Castle alot more, its really cool. Be aware there is alot of walking up stairs and hill climbing , so you have to be in shape The views are amazing, you can get the best photos of the castle from the castle and you can also get great photos of Pena Palace from here as well It is less crowded than Pena Palace
4. Palacio Nacional e Jardins de Queluz
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 58 reviews
Reviewed By lohla88 - The Hague, The Netherlands
This palace is way underrated in comparison with Pena Palace and/or other castles in Lisbon. Because of that it is rather quiet and private - which gives you a nice space to explore on your own. The garden is huge with nice maze decorations and water fountains at various places. It is also known as the Versailles of Portugal - not in the scale but in the style. It is definitely worth visiting!
5. Sintra National Palace
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 5,037 reviews
The National Palace of Sintra, located in the historic town centre, was inhabited for nearly eight centuries by the Portuguese monarchy and its court. It was much used, particularly during the Middle Ages, as a hunting retreat and as a refuge from outbreaks of disease in the capital, or as a summer resort, thanks to the town's more agreeable climate.
Reviewed By vagabondafelice - Carisolo, Italy
We visited the Palacio Nacional and Palacio Pena ,one foggy November morning, on a combined ticket costing 22.80 euros. We bought the tickets at the tourist office just off the main square where you find the Palacio Nacional. We visited this palace first as the queue was not too long. The rooms are elaborately designed and furnished. The Swan Room with the painted swans on the ceiling, the Magpie Room with its particular story, the Coat of Arms Room and the kitchens with the two chimneys are well worth the visit. Thoroughly enjoyed the time spent there and once finished the fog had begun to disappear and we could see the building from the outside!
6. Chalet da Condessa D’Edla
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 236 reviews
To the west, the Park of Pena also contains the Chalet and Garden of the Countess of Edla, recently reopened to the public after a long process of recovery and restoration after the building was destroyed by fire in 1999. The Chalet was built by King Ferdinand II and his second wife Elise Hensler, Countess of Edla, between 1864 and 1869, in keeping with the Alpine chalet model that was in vogue in Europe at that time. The building is extremely picturesque, characterised by the horizontal marking of the external plaster, painted to imitate timber cladding, and by the extensive use of cork as a decorative element, covering door and window frames, eaves and verandas, as well as tree trunks backing onto the facades to support climbing plants.
Reviewed By mjfuller44
Never seen anything quite like this place. I love historical buildings and seen a few (National Trust member), but this was something really different. Lots of use of bark as a decorative finish and cladding inside and outside the building. Intricate decor. Well worth the long walk through the Pena Park to see this gem.
