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SINTRA - DESCRIPTION
Essentially romantic in character this 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.
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 GOLF COURSES -
Academia Internacional de Golfe
: Penha Longa Atlântico
: Penha Longa Mosteiro
: Quinta da Beloura :
GOLF ACCOMMODATION
- Where to Stay
SINTRA INFORMATION
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Town Map |
SOS |
Support to Tourists |
Detailed Information |
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800 296 296 |
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SINTRA AREA RESTAURANTS - Where to eat
Symbol ratings shown against a restaurant are as follows:
 Michelin Star (2004) -
 Rating for Comfort -
 Value for money
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Praça Dom Fernando II - São Pedro de Sintra