Portugal, with its captivating cities and charming towns, is a favourite among holidaymakers. One such place that has been dubbed a ‘real-life fairytale’ is the picturesque town of Sintra, situated near Lisbon on the Portuguese Riviera.
Sintra, once a summer haven for Portugal’s nobility and Royal family, boasts a rich history evident in its villas, castles, and palaces. These structures, renowned for their Romanticist architecture and mesmerising gardens, have become must-see attractions for tourists.
The UK is less than four hours away from this enchanting town, with flights to Lisbon taking approximately two hours and 50 minutes. From Lisbon, a 40-50 minute train ride will take you to Sintra.
Visitors can choose to stay in Sintra or opt for accommodation in Lisbon and make a day trip to this historic UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of Sintra’s standout attractions is the Palacio Nacional da Pena, recognised as one of Portugal’s seven wonders.
This vibrant castle began as a chapel, later becoming a monastery before King Consort Ferdinand II transformed it into a Royal retreat in 1838, reports the Express. The castle remained under Royal ownership until 1910 when the Royal family and much of the country’s nobility fled to Brazil amidst a revolution.
Since then, Pena Palace has been restored to its former glory, mirroring its appearance at the time the royals left the country.
Another must-visit spot is the ruins of the Castle of the Moors, a medieval castle perched on a hilltop that was seized by Christian Crusaders in 1147 and later fell into disrepair. The ruins were eventually acquired by King Consort Ferdinand II, who transformed them into the spectacular sight we see today.
Sintra also boasts the Quinta da Regaleira, an intriguing neo-gothic mansion filled with mythological and Knights Templar symbols, including a mysterious ‘initiation well’.
But the attractions don’t end there; tourists may also wish to explore the Monserrate Palace, an Arabian-inspired villa with serene gardens that, while still popular, are likely less crowded than the town’s other landmarks. There’s another castle worth visiting, the breath-taking Sintra National Palace, which has a history spanning the entire existence of Portugal.
The palace’s first structure is thought to have been built around the tenth or 11th century, during Moorish rule over Sintra, although no remnants from this period survive today. The oldest part of the castle that remains is the chapel, dating back to the 14th century, while much of the existing structure was built in the 15th century.