Sintra Description
Essentially romantic in character this lovely town was poetically described by
Lord Byron as "this glorious Eden". It was declared by UNESCO as a World
Heritage Site. Original Sintra is not a large place to visit but it is very
worth while for its charm and visual links with the past. It encompasses two
outlying areas named Estefânia and São Pedro.
As the older part of Sintra sits on a granite slope it is best seen on foot or
by a horse-drawn carriage. Abounding in history the town is dominated by the two
conical chimneys of the Palácio Nacional da Vila that was the a summer home of
the royal family since the 15th Century. Scattered on the surrounding hillside
are several historical creations openly showing the diverseness of each original
owner’s taste in personal architecture. The most outstanding example is possibly
the Palácio da Pena, a 19th Century recreation of different styles admired by
the King, Dom Fernando II, the German husband of the young Portuguese Queen
Maria II. This example often regarded as a failed attempt to create his own
romantic revival. The castle stands high on the southeast side of the mountain
range. Overlooking the village are the ruined ramparts of the Castelo dos Mouros,
a fort dating from the 8th Century. Within it is an ancient Moorish cistern and
the panoramic view from its walls is impressive.
There are several churches in the town and the most interesting is the 12th
Century Igreja de Santa Maria which was rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake.
Several private palaces are open to the public, amongst which are the Palácio de
Seteais, a magnificent 18th Century home built for the fifth Marquês de Marialva
and later converted into a five star Hotel, Casa dos Ribafrias a 16th Century
building once belonging to the Marquês de Pombal; Quinta de Pena Verde, another
16th Century palace, and the Palácio de Monserrate built in the 19th Century by
Francis Cook and influenced by the architectural design of Nash. Another place
of interest is the Convento dos Capuchos, which is an unusual hermitage founded
in 1560 with tiny dwarf cells cut from the rock.
Within the old town there are several museums. The Museu de Brinquedo displays
toys from the past and present. The Museu Regional retells the history of the
area with items and relics and often are also holding art exhibitions. Casa
Museu Leal de Câmara is a museum devoted to the works of the artist of that
name. Casa Museu Dorita Castel Branco is also devoted to works of the sculptress
after whom it is named. Others are Museu de Arte Moderna, Galeria de Arte
Municipal de Sintra, Centro International de Escultura, Museu de Arqueologia São
Miguel de Odrinhas, Museu Renato L. Garcia, Atelier Museu de Anjos Teixeira and
Museu Ferreira de Castro.
Sintra Nearby Locations
Not to be missed is the Jardins de Monserrate for the vast and endless variety
of exotic trees, subtropical plants and shrubs that were imported in the 19th
Century to create this attractive Park. If the visitor has the time there is the
charmingly restored old electric train from the town of Sintra that takes the
visitor at the weekends (only in the summer), down to the west and to the not
too distant beach resort of Praia da Maças and the craggily perched coastal
village of Azenhas de Mar. Also to the west of Sintra is the village of Colares
that is famous for its white wine that is the only one in Portugal that enjoys a
bottle life that exceeds the normal two or three years. To the north is the town
of Mafra with its imposing Monastery. Another place of interest are the Roman
ruins that are to be seen at São Miguel de Odrinas.
Sintra Map (Click Here)
Sintra Weather
Sintra Information
112 - SOS
800 296 296 - Support to Tourists
219 238 500 - Town Hall
219 106 900 - Fire Brigade
219 230 761 - Police
219 245 094 - Hospital
219 233 919 - Tourist Office
Sintra Museums
Sintra Museums
Municipal Museum of Art of Sintra
Municipal Museum of Ferreira de Castro
Museum of Archaeology of São Miguel de Odrinhas
Museum of Modern Art from Bernardo Collection
Museum of Bullfighting
Museum & Home of Anjos Teixeira
Museum & Home of Leal da Câmara
Museum of Modern Art
Museum of Region of Sintra
Museum of Toys
Museum of Palácio Nacional
Sintra Locations of Interest
Castle - Castelo dos Mouros
Caves of Monge
Church - Igreja de Santa Maria
Church - Igreja de São Martinho
Church - Igreja de São Pedro de Penaferim
Centro Cultural de Olga Cadaval
Gardens - Jardim de Monserrate
Gardens - Jardim do Palácio da Pena
International Center of Sculpture
Library of Tapada das Mercês
Municipal Library of Sintra
Palácio Nacional da Pena
Quinta da Regaleira
Quinta de Santo António
Square - Largo Rainha Dona Amélia
Sintra Events
Festival de Musica - June
Town Holiday - 29th June
Feira Grande de São Pedro - 31st July
Romaria de São Mamede - 14th to 22nd August
Festival de Ballet - August
Flea Market - Every Sunday
Beaches in the Area of Sintra
Praia da Adraga
Praia Grande
Praia das Maçãs
Praia de Maigoto
Praia de São Julião
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