The exoticism of the Monserrate Palace is typical of Sintra
Medieval citadel overlooking the surrounding country
PALACE WITH THE CONE CHIMNEYS Officially known as the Palacio de Sintra, or Palacio da Vila, this medieval royal residence is located at the heart of the old town and can be visited most of the time. Though its origins go further back, the current palace was first started in the 15th century as a summer residence of the Portuguese kings, and the extensive structure stands out for two large ‘cone-shaped’ chimneys that give it a somewhat comical appearance.
Palacio da Pena, Portugal’s fairy-tale castle
Palacio da Vila at dusk
CASTELO DOS MOUROS
PALACIO DA PENA
A classic fortress citadel, this fighting structure dating back over a thousand years was built by the Moors and later taken by Christian forces in the reconquest of Portugal. Over 400 metres up the mountain, it offers magnificent views all across the countryside and back to Estoril, Lisbon and the Atlantic, while the long battlements that extend over undulating mountainside are the ideal spot for some romantic daydreaming.
Indeed, if ever there was a romantic spot it is Sintra, and much of its architecture and palaces belong to the Romantic style, including the amazing hilltop Palacio da Pena. Commissioned by a 19th-century king and designed by Baron Wilhelm Ludwig von Eschwege, it is one big wonderful folly in the tradition of the famous Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, and also served as a summer hunting palace. The range of styles and pastel tones add to a magnificent location
surrounded by woods from where you can easily pick out the Tagus Bridge and Cristo Rei on a clear day.
PALACIO DE SETEAIS Rather more French in style is the elegant Seteais Palace, once the main summer residence of the Portuguese royal family. Laid out like a true palace, it has all the regal splendour of Versailles complete with magnificent lawns and outdoor performances of the Swan Lake and other ballets. Quite the place to enjoy high tea overlooking the landscaped
gardens, and yet another of Sintra’s many surprises.
MONSERRATE ESTATE Yet there are more surprises, for not only does the very town hall look like a little fairytale castle, but Sintra is also home to an impressive collection of amazing villas and estates tucked into its greenery. One of the prettiest is Monserrate, an arabesque villa set on a beautiful estate, and proof that Johnny Depp and Robert de Niro weren’t the first big-wigs to have lost their heart to this most enchanting of towns. e
The elegant Seteais Palace is now a luxury hotel
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