My Visual Travel Experience: Sintra, Portugal

In 2012, my wife and I spent almost 2 weeks in Portugal. We traveled extensively, and we spent time in and around Lisbon in the centre of the country, in and around Porto to the north of the country, and in the Algarve to the south of the country. The wonderful trip came to an abrupt end when our passports and other valuables were stolen in a train in Lisbon. Despite that huge set-back which really shook us up, we look back at our trip with otherwise fond memories. The town of Sintra, on the outskirts of Lisbon, was one of the trip's highlights. We spent a pleasant day exploring this beautiful town.

The small town of Sintra lies about 30 km west of the Portugese capital Lisbon, and has a population of about 26,000. The town got its UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1995, thanks largely to the presence of the striking National Palace of Sintra and the Pena National Palace, famed for its unique, eclectic architectural style. Sintra is one of the wealthiest towns in Portugal and is home to a large number of expat communities. It is known for its luxurious villas, its high standard of living, its fine dining options, and its expensive real estate.  

National Palace of Sintra

Sintra had a Roman presence from the 2nd century BC to the 5th century AD. The town then had a Moorish occupation that lasted for a few centuries. In the 11th century AD, the King of Leon, Alfonso VI, took control of Sintra. In 1109, Count Henry conquered the Castle of Sintra. Afonso Henriques, who took over Lisbon in 1147, established the Church of Sao Pedro de Canaferrim inside the Castle of Sintra. Till the end of the 19th century, Sintra was the favourite summer retreat of the Portugese royal family, first in the National Palace, and subsequently in the Pena Palace.

The Moorish Castle dates back to the 8th century and stands on a hill rising above the town. The castle was conquered by Afonso Henriques in 1147. The complex has a ruined chapel and a Moorish cistern. The walls of the castle can be seen from the town below.

The Moorish Castle

View of the Moorish Castle from the town centre

The Moorish Castle, seen from above

National Palace of Sintra was built in the late 14th century by Joao I. It became the summer retreat for the royal family, and continued to be till the 1880s. In the early 16th century, additions were made by Manuel I in the Moorish style. Two large conical chimneys rising above the kitchen are a striking feature of the palace. The palace became a national monument in 1910.

View of the National Palace of Sintra

Ceiling of Blazons Hall, National Palace of Sintra

Bed Chamber of King Sebastian, National Palace of Sintra

The Swan Hall at National Palace of Sintra is the former banqueting hall. The ceiling was painted in the 15th century, and has octagonal panels decorated with swans.

The Swan Hall, National Palace of Sintra

The Kitchen at National Palace of Sintra has utensils that were used to make royal banquets. The most striking feature of the kitchen are the two large chimneys, that can be seen from outside.

Kitchen, National Palace of Sintra

The Magpie Room is one of the highlights of National Palace of Sintra, and its ceiling has paintings of magpies, as a reference to the idle gossip of the court women.

Magpie Room, National Palace

Pena National Palace stands at one of the highest peaks around Sintra. It was built in the mid 19th century for King Consort Ferdinand II, the husband of Queen Maria II, in an assortment of architectural styles. The highlights include the brightly coloured clock-tower, the Triton Arch (with the sculpture of the sea monster), the Arab Room (with its splendid frescoes), the Ballroom (with its stained glass windows), and Manuel II’s bedroom (the bedroom of the last king of Portugal).

Pena National Palace

Triton Arch, Pena National Palace

Clock Tower, Pena National Palace

The Municipal Building, or Town Hall, houses the local administration, and is one of the most stunning buildings in the old town, with its remarkable tower, glazed with white and green tiles. The building was completed in 1910, and looks like it was inspired by the Disney Castle.

Municipal Building

The Clock Tower is a baroque structure in the heart of town, near the Post Office. The white coloured clock tower rises above boldly colourful buildings all around it.

Clock Tower

For me, the magnificent architecture and the beautiful hilly surroundings were the biggest highlights of Sintra. Its proximity to Lisbon made the trip convenient, as the train ride took just over half an hour. If you are in Lisbon, do make the effort and visit this stunning little town that offers so much by way of history and architecture.