Sintra, located in the mountains near Lisbon, has played a significant role in Portugal’s architectural heritage over the years. In 1995, UNESCO recognized its importance and named it a World Heritage Site.
This city is best known for its stunning 19th-century romantic palaces, making it a top destination for tourists in the Lisbon area or those visiting Portugal. The most notable attraction is Pena Palace, a prime example of 19th-century Portuguese Romanticism and one of Portugal’s seven wonders. Perched on the Sintra Mountains, the palace’s origins date back to medieval times with a chapel dedicated to “Our Lady Pena.” From 1495 to 1755, it served as a monastery housing monks. However, the 1755 earthquake left it in ruins.
In 1838, Don Fernando II, Queen Maria II’s husband, bought the ruins and the surrounding 85-hectare park to build a summer residence for the royal family. Construction took place between 1842 and 1854. After Don Fernando II’s death in 1895, the property eventually ended up with the Portuguese State. Following the Republican revolution in 1910, Pena Palace became a national monument and a museum, quickly rising to one of the most visited sites in Portugal.
The palace’s history dates back even further to the 10th century under Moorish rule. The Portuguese captured it in 1147 when Alfonso Henriques conquered Lisbon. The structure seen today mostly stems from the 15th and 16th centuries, thanks to King John I and King Manuel I. The latter period saw the development of the Manueline, or Gothic-Renaissance, architectural style. The 1755 earthquake caused significant damage, leading to extensive restoration. The palace served as a royal residence until the late 19th century and became a national monument in 1910.
The Castle of the Moors is another historical gem, built during the 8th and 9th centuries. It held strategic importance during the Reconquista until 1147 when King Alfonso Henriques took it over. By 1383, it had lost its military significance and was abandoned in 1493. Like other historic sites, it was heavily damaged in the 1755 earthquake but has since been restored and stands tall today. This medieval Moorish castle is also classified as a national monument.
Palácio de Monserrate is another stunning example of Portuguese Romanticism. This exotic palace features Neo-Gothic, Moorish Revival, and Indian architectural elements, surrounded by a 33-hectare garden. It all started in 1540 with a chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Monserrate. After the 1755 earthquake, Gerard De Visme built a palace on the ruins. In 1858, Sir Francis Cook, an Englishman, acquired the property and transformed it into the eclectic masterpiece seen today. The palace became Portuguese property in 1949 and underwent significant restoration in 2010, cementing its status as one of Sintra’s top attractions.
Quinta Da Regaleira, also known as “The Palace of Monteiro the Millionaire,” is another unique site. Portuguese millionaire entomologist Carvalho Monteiro and Italian architect Luigi Manini began its construction in 1904, creating a landscape filled with alchemical and mystical symbols. After changing hands several times, the Sintra town council acquired it in 1997 and opened it to the public in 1998.
With its plethora of exceptional palaces, Sintra is better explored over two days to fully appreciate its rich history and breathtaking architecture.
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