Sintra tourism
Sintra Mountains is one of UNESCO World Heritage places. Central Sintra is an enchanted little village situated in Grande Lisboa. It has been an inspiration for English and Portuguese romantic artists. You will find palaces full of fantasy, mysterious gardens a worth interesting inheritance.
Places to visit in Sintra Mountains
Mountains of Sintra are very good for hiking. It is visited by many tourists every year. Almost all areas are covered with dense almost jungle like forest, you will find many ancient ruins and spectacular view from the top. There are several monumental places to see:
Sintra castle - Palácio Nacional da Pena
The Palácio Nacional da Pena was one of the main royal family residencies during the 19th century and it remembers to a fairy tale castle.
It was the prince Fernando II of Portugal who ordered the construction of the Palácio da Pena in 1836. The architectonical style of the palace built by a German architect von Schwege is a mixture of neogothic, neoislamic, neorainacentistic and neo portuguese style. The outside of the castle represents a romantic vision of the nature.
Sintra castle is located on a hill having 360 º views of the valley and the gardens that surround the castle. Since the Republic in 1910 the castle became a museum, and was left as the royal family had it. Many tourists visit this castle; its interior has been converted to a museum.
Castelo dos Mouros - Old Sintra castle
The old castle of Sintra, also known as Castelo dos Mouros (castle of the moors) is another interesting tourist atraction. It was build over a rocky Sintra mountain top in 8th century. From Castelo dos Mouros you will have stunning views - one can observe all the area until it fades away into the Altantic Ocean.
The castle was conquered Afonso Henriques in 1147 and counts with chapels, tombs and chambers.
Sintra photos
Gargoyle in Palacio da Pena
Decorative element on the wall of Palacio de Pena castle in Sintra, Portugal.
Palacio da Pena front view
Front view of the Palacio da Pena inspired in different architecture styles, Sintra.
Sintra Town Hall
Sunset over the Town Hall of Sintra surrounded by forrest and luxury villas.
Palacio da Pena window
Detail of the outside of Palacio da Pena built on the mountain peaks of Sintra.
Townhall tower
Impressive city hall of Sintra built in 1906 in the municipality of Sintra.
Palacio da Pena towers
The palace located 4km from the center of Sintra.
Fairy tale palace
Palacio da Pena was the summer residency during many years for the portuguese royal family.
National Palace in Sintra
The National Palace located downtown Sintra, Portugal.
Fortified tower
Hard steep stairs to fortified tower of moorish castle in Sintra.
Sintra from above
Main square of Sintra from the moorish castle Castelo dos Mouros.
Battlements of Castelo dos Mouros
Moorish castle has been constructed on the mountains of Sintra. It offers amazing panoramic views.
