1. Majestic Medieval Palace
Dating back to the 15th century, the Palácio Nacional de Sintra now functions as a museum. Known as the most exquisitely preserved medieval palace in Portugal, the royal residence is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its extravagant interior features a combination of Moorish and Manueline styles. Noted for its stunning 15th century geometric tiles and its arabesque courtyards, the palace also boasts three sumptuously decorated halls, known as the Swan Room, the Magpie Room and the Arab Room, which feature elaborate murals painted on the ceilings.
2. Magnificent Moorish Castle
Located on a hilltop above the civil parish of Santa Maria e São Miguel, Castelo dos Mouros is a medieval palace built by the Moors in the 8th century. It was eventually conquered by the Christians in the 12th century and is currently classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Originally a military outpost, the castle was restored in the 19th century by King Ferdinand II, who preserved its medieval frescoes. Currently, visitors can enjoy the breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, as well as the five medieval towers and a number of battlements, which remain intact.
3. Romantic Renaissance Refuge
Consisting of a romantic palace and a chapel, Quinta da Regaleira, which dates back to 1904, is a majestic estate surrounded by a lavish park, featuring a number of lakes, grottoes, benches and fountains. Designed by Italian architect Luigi Manini, the estate was inspired by Roman, Gothic, Renaissance, and Manueline styles. The Gothic façade features a striking collection of pinnacles, gargoyles and capitals, as well as an octagonal tower. The chapel showcases stunning frescoes, stained glass windows and stuccoes.
4. Rediscover 19Th Century Romanticism
Located in São Pedro de Penaferrim, the Palácio Nacional da Pena, a 19th century Romantic castle, combines elements of Neo-Gothic, Neo-Manueline, Neo-Islamic and Neo-Renaissance. The palace is divided into four sections, which include the foundations and the surrounding walls, two gateways, the convent and the clock tower, and the Moorish arches. The interior is designed in a cathédrale style. The lush park that surrounds the palace features hidden pathways, elaborate features and spectacular outlooks.
5. Modern Art Mecca
Established in 2014, the Museu das Artes de Sintra, a modern art museum located in a neo-classical building, houses the impressive art collection of José Berardo, who has gathered over 1000 surrealist, minimalist and pop art pieces that comprise one of the largest private collections in the world. The selection of 20th century artworks, includes paintings by Picasso, Duchamp, Mondrian, Bacon, Magritte, de Kooning, Pollock and Warhol, among others.
