Sintra is a charming city that provides a wonderful day's visit of Lisbon or Estoril - Cascais coast. Sintra contains stunning palaces, a ruined castle and other grand residences, all of which are set in the center of the magnificent scenery of the Serra de Sintra National Park.
One of Sintra (and Portugal) greatest attractions, the Pena Palace and the surrounding park are the ultimate exponent of romantic revival in Portugal. Located on the Monte da Lua, right on top of the Serra de Sintra, it was born from the imagination of D. Fernando and has become a true fairytale palace, set on huge cliffs.
One of its most striking features is the mix of architectural styles, from romanticism to neo-Gothic, neo-Moorish and neo-Manueline. Inside, there is the decoration to the taste of the kings of the time, the Monk's Chapel, the royal quarters and the beautiful murals.
The Triton's Portico is one of the most enigmatic architectural elements of the Pena Palace. Named “Allegorical Portico of the Creation of the World” as early as the 19th century, the Triton, a mythological half-man, half-fish monster, stands out. Similarly, the entire portico is divided between the aquatic world at the bottom and the terrestrial world above. On the ground floor, the neo-Gothic canopial arch of stepped columns is framed by corals that support three shells, one of which sits the Triton. We are in the field of water. On the upper floor are the plants that refer to the terrestrial world: from Triton's head a tree is born, framed by vines that line the entire bow-window that the monster seems to support. The transition is made by slime, aquatic plants that grow on the fringes of the two worlds behind the Triton.
Quinta da Regaleira is an extravagant 19th century Gothic mansion that was built by the richest man in Portugal at the time. The property's main attraction is its sophisticated gardens, which contain an elaborate tunnel system. Hidden everywhere on the property are secret religious symbols, hidden gardens and other mysterious objects.
On the farm, covered with lush vegetation, stands the Chapel of the Holy Trinity and, especially, the famous initiatory well, with its iconic spiral staircase.
Built on a rocky peak of the Serra de Sintra, possibly between the 8th and 9th centuries, this castle bears witness to the region's Islamic presence. After the Christian reconquest, it was expanded and reinforced a few times.
Besides being a historical monument, today it is also an incredible viewpoint, overlooking the village of Sintra and the surrounding region.
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