Visit Sintra National Palace
Table of Contents
The National Portuguese Palaces, a majestic structure located in the historical center of Sintra in Portugal, is a famous symbol of the country. The castle, built in the 19th century on the site of an old Arab palace, is a stunning combination of different architectural styles, including Gothic, Renaissance, Moorish and Romanesque. In this Sintra National Palace reviews you will learn important information about this palace.
Inside, visitors can enjoy a rich collection of furniture, art and jewelry reflecting Portugal’s rich history. The visit to these Palaces in Portugal allows you to immerse yourself in the history and culture of the country, appreciate the splendor of its architecture and enjoy the majestic atmosphere of this breathtaking place.
Tourist Information
The National Sintra Palace, also known as Palácio da Vila, is one of Portugal’s most important historical and architectural monuments. This medieval palace, located in the center of Sintra, was built in the 9th century by the Moorish governors as their residence.
In the 14th century, the palace became the official residence of King João I, father of Prince Henry the Navigator. Until the end of the monarchy in 1910, the palace was used by the Portuguese royal family, although in recent years the kings preferred the Pena Palace.
Architecturally, the palace is one of the brightest Portuguese Palaces and is worth visiting. Notable among them are the Sala dos Cisnes (Swan Room) and the Sala dos Brasões (Armorial Room), built under King Manuel I and lined in the 18th century with unusual tile panels depicting bucolic and hunting scenes.
The National Palace of Sintra is also known for its unique tile collections. It houses some of the most important sets of Mudejar (Moorish-Iberian) tiles in the world, as well as Baroque tiles created by the master P.M.P.
You can visit the palace by climbing up to the Miradoro da Ferraria observation deck on Rua da Ferraria, where you can get a great view of the building.
Interesting Facts
- The Portuguese Palace is not only a historical monument, but also a magnificent complex, rich in history, culture and architecture:
- Moorish heritage. The National Palace, mentioned by the Moorish geographer Al-Bakri in the 10th century, is key evidence of Moorish influence in the region. Its history is connected with the period of Moorish rule in Portugal.
- Royal residences. Over time, the national palace was the temporary residence of many Portuguese monarchs, including kings and queens. It attracted them with its beautiful Sintra National Palace Interior and lush gardens.
- Architectural abundance. The National Palace of Sintra is a magnificent example of various architectural styles, ranging from Moorish and Gothic to Renaissance and Manueline. Its structure and decorative elements reflect the richness and grandeur of Portuguese royal history.
- Historical significance. Many historical events took place within the walls of the Sintra Palace, including diplomatic meetings, royal receptions and meetings that influenced the course of Portuguese history.
- Museum initiative. Today, the Palacio National de Sintra attracts not only tourists but also researchers and history buffs. Museum initiatives carried out within the park include the restoration and replenishment of collections, the creation of new exhibition spaces and educational programs.
- External and internal gardens. In addition to its magnificent interiors, the palace is famous for its extensive gardens, where you can enjoy the beauty of nature and architectural elements. The gardens are an ideal place to stroll and relax, surrounded by history and elegance.
- Legendary Room: Inside the Sintra Palace there is a room named after King Afonso VI, who spent his last years here. This room, known as the “Room of Afonso VI”, became a testament to his exile and seclusion.
- Literary Inspiration: Sintra National Palace has inspired many writers, including the famous Portuguese poet Luis de Camos, who described its beauty and splendor in his works.
- Film and TV Stage: Due to its beauty and architectural significance, the National Palace of Sintra has become a popular location for filming films and television series. It often acts as royal palaces and castles in cinema.
- World Heritage Site: Sintra Castle Portugal was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995 as part of the Sintra Cultural Landscape. This recognition underscores its historical and cultural significance.
- Interactive Tours: Visitors can enjoy interactive tours of the palace, which offer the opportunity to delve deeper into its history, architecture and art. These tours are usually led by experienced guides or audio guides.
Open Hours
The palace is open daily from 09:30 to 19:00. It is much less crowded here than at Pena Palace, so you won’t have to rush to get there.
Tickets
The National Palace offers different types of Sintra National Palace tickets and discounted prices for visitors. The ticket price for adults is 10 euros and for children under 17 years old – 8.50 euros. There is a 10% discount when using the Lisboa Card.
Address
Address: Estrada da Pena, 2710-609 Sintra.
How to Get to Sintra National Palace
To get to the National Palace of Sintra, follow these steps:
- Train: Take the train to Sintra from Rossio train station in Lisbon. Trains run regularly and the journey takes about 40 minutes.
- From Sintra train station to the palace: After arriving at Sintra train station, get off and follow the scenic road known as Volta do Duche. This road leads directly to the National Palace of Sintra.
This road is beautiful and passes through scenic areas where you can take Sintra National Palace photos.
