|
Once the summer residence and mountain retreat of
Portuguese royalty, Sintra is recognized for its many
palaces and mansions set among flamboyant gardens on granite crags and pine forests.
|
|
|
The center of town in dominated by the Palacio Nacional with its
distinctive conical chimmeys.
|
"The Cultural Landscape of
Sintra" is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. |
|
Palacio Nacional de Pena was built in the 1840s by Prince
Ferdinand. The style is deliberately eclectic with features such as gargoyles and Arabic inspired tromp-l'oeil.
|
Everything in Pena Palace is preserved as it was when the royal
family went into exile in 1910.
|
|
Across the hills is the Castelo de Mouros (Moor's Castle) with
ramparts dating back to the 9th Century. Views stretch beyond
Lisbon the the sea.
|
Quinta da Regaleira is a quirky estate built in the early 1900s
to capture mythological and Knights Templar imagery.
|
|
The parks and gardens around Quinta da Regaleira feature
gazeboes, lakes, grottoes, caves, wells and fountains. |
The estate is crisscrossed by tunnels which terminate at the
Initiatic Well, a ceremonial subterranean tower with Tarot
rebirth mysticism.
|
|
The local markets carrying unique foods and craft items are
fascinating to visit.
|
From various lanes and alleys, Pena Palace and the Moor's
Castle dominate the skyline above. |
Most travelers come to Sintra as day-trippers from
Lisbon. We stayed in a charming guest house and enjoyed
the quiet streets when the others left.
|
|
