Location: Sintra
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What to do and see in Sintra, Central Portugal: The Best Architectural Buildings
Long the home of Portugal’s monarchs, Sintra is a magnificent town of marvelous historic mansions, all set against the backdrop of lush hills. Sintra’s many castles include the Palácio Nacional de Sintra (a main abode of Portuguese royalty until the early 20th century), the hilltop and storybook Palácio da Pena, Quinta de Regaleira (incorporating several architectural styles and with gorgeous surrounding gardens), the Castelo dos Mouros (Moorish Castle), and the Palácio de Monserrate.
Restaurants in Sintra
1. Quinta da Regaleira
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 13,313 reviews
Classified as World Heritage by UNESCO and built at the turn of the 20th century, this romantic architectural complex is comprised of a Palace, a Chapel, and gardens with grottos.
Reviewed By richardb552016 - London, United Kingdom
This palace is a must for anyone visiting Lisbon. Within easy reach by train and bus, the gardens are a delight with many follies, chapels, delightful views and what is called an Initiation Well which is an absolute must including stepping stones and looking through a waterfall amongst other attractions. The cafe affords a lovely outdoor seating area with views of the palace and gardens. The architecture of all of the buildings are magical in appearance. Allow at least 2 hours. The walk to the top of the garden area is fairly steep but worthwhile. Then it is all downhill from there!
2. Park and National Palace of Pena
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18,360 reviews
Reviewed By bluecarrot - Los Angeles, United States
While not as old as so many other sights in Portugal, this palace and its surrounding grounds are truly awe-inspiring! If youre able, plan to go on a day with good weather and spend the day hiking around the stunning grounds and through the hundreds of paths and trails that wind all through the wooded area at the base of the palace! Seeing the palace itself is also quite interesting, but, for me, the outside of it is more amazing than the inside. The remaining furniture inside comes from a number of different styles and periods and the detail and craftsmanship are some of the finest Ive ever seen but try to go through the inside of the palace before it gets crowded if you want to see anything at all! Sintra is an easy day trip from Lisbon and this palace and its grounds are the gem of that trip, its absolutely worth the time!!
3. Palacio de Monserrate
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,089 reviews
Not very far from the historic centre of Sintra is one of the most beautiful architectural and landscape Romantic creations in Portugal: the Park and Palace of Monserrate, unique representatives of 19th century eclecticism.
Reviewed By polenasia - Jeonju, South Korea
Very small palace, with only few rooms. Interesting story behind it, worth reading as you walk through it. Make sure you thoroughly explore surrounding park, some amazing trees and plants. Altogether good place for spending morning or afternoon there.
4. Camara Municipal de Sintra
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 193 reviews
Reviewed By badmintontim - Hastings, United Kingdom
Yes this is a great looking building with a wonderful tiled roof as one can see and in my opinion is better seen from above looking down into it - see photos
5. Sintra National Palace
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 5,037 reviews
The National Palace of Sintra, located in the historic town centre, was inhabited for nearly eight centuries by the Portuguese monarchy and its court. It was much used, particularly during the Middle Ages, as a hunting retreat and as a refuge from outbreaks of disease in the capital, or as a summer resort, thanks to the town's more agreeable climate.
Reviewed By vagabondafelice - Carisolo, Italy
We visited the Palacio Nacional and Palacio Pena ,one foggy November morning, on a combined ticket costing 22.80 euros. We bought the tickets at the tourist office just off the main square where you find the Palacio Nacional. We visited this palace first as the queue was not too long. The rooms are elaborately designed and furnished. The Swan Room with the painted swans on the ceiling, the Magpie Room with its particular story, the Coat of Arms Room and the kitchens with the two chimneys are well worth the visit. Thoroughly enjoyed the time spent there and once finished the fog had begun to disappear and we could see the building from the outside!
6. Sintra Railway Station
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 287 reviews
Reviewed By Margo7850p
Small, but beautiful train station in the heart of Sintra. Quick and easy access from Lisbon. It is the railway gate to Sintra and it touristic attractions.This pretty station, located on Avenida Dr. Miguel Bombarda, is a 1.5 km walk to the center of Sintra town . Sintra Station in Sintra dates from 1887 and is a lovely station decorated with azulejos tile work on its walls. One of the most beautiful train stations I've ever seen.
7. Igreja de Sao Martinho
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By kurteg - Lenexa, United States
Just walking by and came upon this church worthy of mention. I understand the original church in the 1100s didn't survive the 1755 earthquake; nor did the priest celebrating mass at that moment. We have seen the resurrected Jesus wearing purple just like this one elsewhere.
