The Region - Sintra - Portugal
Sintra . Mafra and Ericeira . Estoril/Cascais . Lisboa
Sintra
Wonderful meeting place between land and sea, Sintra is a magical village, living testimony of the Portuguese and mankind history. Sintra is also the capital of Romanticism, with dreaming places and breathtaking landscapes, where architecture and history match uniquely. UNESCO World Heritage Site, visited for more than a million persons each year is a privileged village for leisure, congresses, meetings and other activities related to tourism.
Sintra is located only 30 minutes from the airport, 15 from the Estoril coast and 20 minutes from Mafra Village.
Places to visit in Sintra:
Sintra National Park
Also known as palace of the Village has its probable origin in a primitive Moorish walis. Nowadays, it is owned by the Portuguese state being used for tourism and culture purposes. This palace has the largest collection of Mudejar (Moorish) tiles in the country and its exlibris are their imposing chimneys. It became a national monument in 1910. www.parquesdesintra.pt
Pena Palace
Pena Palace, situated on the top of the mountains and with an astonishing view until Lisbon, was built on top of the mountain with an wonderful view of the landscape till Lisbon and surrounded for a luxurious forest, was build, Pena Palace, on the ruins of an ancient convent dated from the XVI century, by D. Fernando De Saxe Coburg-Gotha (1840), who later became King Fernando II of Portugal.
It represents one of the greatest expressions of Romanticism in nineteenth century Portuguese architecture. In 1910 it became a museum and in 2007 was elected as one of the 7 wonders of Portugal.
www.parquesdesintra.pt
Pena park
The Pena palace and park were developed as a whole. From the palace, visitors can see a blanket of trees that covers more than 200 hectares that belong to Pena Palace. This park has walking paths, a lake of white swans and beautiful gardens.
Learn more www.parquesdesintra.pt
Regaleira Palace and Gardens
Built on the first half of the xx century, Regaleira is also known as the Palace of the Millionaire, a designation that is associated with the nickname of its owner, Antonio Augusto Carvalho Monteiro. The palace is on the mountainside and it is a walking distance of the historic center of Sintra. It has been classified as a public interest monument since 2002. Regaleira is a wonder and mystery place to visit and where you will wish to come again.
Monserrate Palace
It is placed in Sintra's Natural Park. In 1809, Lord Byron sad about it "this is the first and most beautiful place in the morning." It is an example of Portuguese Romanticism together with Pena Palace. The area surrounding the Palace and Park was transformed into an exotic garden, where there are plants and trees from the most remote places in the world. It is currently classified as property of public interest.
Saiba mais em www.parquesdesintra.pt
Sintra´s Moorish Castle
The Moorish Castle is placed on an isolated rock mass on top of the mountain. From its walls the visitor has a privileged view of all rural surroundings which stretches to the Atlantic Ocean.
www.parquesdesintra.pt
Convent of Capuchos
It is known as being a Hermit of Franciscan monks, built by D Alvaro de Castro in 1560, fulfilling a vote to his father, the great Viceroy of India, D. João de Castro. Lost in the middle of the Serra de Sintra, the Capuchin convent, a few meters ahead, has a privileged view over the village
www.parquesdesintra.pt
Toy Museum
The Arbués Moreira Foundation has more than 40000 toys which have been collected over many years, and now shown to the public.
museu-do-brinquedo.pt
Modern Art Museum
For lovers of modern and contemporary art of XX century, this Museum holds an important collection of international art, as well as the important Berardo Collection.
berardocollection.com
Roca cape
"The most western point in Europe", as Luis de Camões Wrote, "where land ends and the sea begins " (in The Lusiads CantoVIII)
Cabo da Roca belongs to the Natural Park of Sintra-Cascais, there we can see spectacular ocean views, a lighthouse and a variety of infrastructures and a Tourism Office. You can also find there one of the rarest herb species - the "Armeria pseudoarmeria".
Queluz National Palace
Often compared with Versailles Palace, This XVIII century monument symbolizes an era of theatricality, appearance and the need of big open spaces.
Saiba mais em pnqueluz.imc-ip.pt/
Olga Cadaval Cultural Center
The Olga Cadaval cultural center is a space with a dynamic programe throughout the year. It has an auditorium with modern infrastructures where dance performances, theater, opera and concerts take place. The design of the building has been influenced by the modern art and "Art Deco" style.
www.ccolgacadaval.pt