Sintra, Portugal: A Fairytale Come To Life

A UNESCO-protected Portuguese town on the very edge of Europe, Sintra is more than worth the time it takes to get there. Its majestic, mystical hills and romantic architecture has inspired countless artists, writers, poets and visionaries. Lord Byron called 18^th-century Sintra a “glorious Eden” in his epic poem, Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage. His contemporary Robert Southey, meanwhile, called the precious town “the most blessed spot on the whole inhabitable globe.” See for yourself what drew such lofty words of praise while taking a tour of Sintra’s most incredible attractions:

Palaces

First and foremost, Sintra is known for its extravagant fairytale palaces and sprawling estates. The most famous of all may be the town’s National Palace, dating all the way back to the 14^th century. The landmark building is most often identified by its two massive conical chimneys; in fact, these formations are among Sintra’s most recognizable features. Inside the palace, you will find a breathtaking array of artifacts and works of art. The formal banquet hall (called Sala dos Cisnes, or “Room of the Swans”) and the Sala dos Brasões (“Coat-of-Arms Room”) are major highlights. The National Palace also comprises a 1,000-person dining room, beautiful interior courtyards, and the world’s largest collection of Mudejar Azueljos (colored glazed tiles.)

Other palaces worth visiting in Sintra include Pena Palace, built in the 1840’s, and the 18^th-century Seteais Palace. The first is often compared to Neuschwanstein and other medieval Bavarian compounds for its drawbridge, domes, ramparts and gargoyles. Be sure to take in the extraordinary “Arab Room” and the adjacent Pena Park. Meanwhile, Seteais is famous for the soaring arch that connects its two luxurious wings—and the fact that part of the palace is a hotel! This is where the town’s annual “Noites de Bailado” festival is held each August. The Monserrate Palace, whose gardens contain 24 species of palms, and the fantastical Regaleira Estate are also recommended.

Museums

Along with palaces, Sintra contains several amazing museums. Among them is world-renowned Modern Art Museum, whose collection is part of the incredible Berardo Collection. You may marvel at original masterpieces by Miró, Francis Bacon, Jackson Pollock, Andy Warhol and even Picasso in an impressive, architectural atmosphere.

For a completely different museum experience, head to Sintra’s one-of-a-kind Toy Museum. The attraction was founded by João Moreira, who believes that the history of toys often sheds light on the history of humankind. The collection contains over 20,000 items that range from 3,000-year-old Egyptian toys excavated from ancient sites to Nazi toy soldiers made during World War II.

Other Places of Interest

Take a leisurely stroll around beautiful Sintra, and you may notice a great array of stunning fountains. In fact, the town centre contains a number of these architectural decorations. The Moorish Fountain is known for its Neo-Moorish features and geometrical tile patterns, and the Sabuga Fountain provocatively spouts water from two breasts. Sintra’s palatial Town Hall, the Challet Biester (a Gothic villa immortalized in Roman Polanski’s film “The Ninth Gate”) and the ancient Capuchos Convent (nicknamed “the cork convent” for its labyrinthine, cork-lined cells) are also not-to-be-missed attractions in charming Sintra.

Recommended hotels in Sintra: the Tivoli Sintra, Lawrence’s Hotel