MAXIMIZE YOUR ONE-DAY TRIP IN SINTRA, PORTUGAL WITH 3 MAIN ATTRACTIONS
by
JH
- Wednesday, February 22, 2017
Castles Hopping
Sintra's rich cultural landscape has been classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1995 and there is no way you should miss this amazing gateway when in Lisbon, Portugal.
It might seem impossible, but consider it do-able. Provided, you set off early from downtown Lisbon. (Read my post for tips for public transportations to Sintra)
In a day hop to these 3 mesmerising, gorgeous monuments set back dated to the Romantic period.
This could be you!
This could be you!
1. National Palace of Sintra
This was our first stop.
This oldest palace in Portugal saw the change in management throughout history. It was first built by Wallis, the Moorish governor of Sintra (10th c.) and thereafter became the property of Afonso Henriques, the first King of Portugal in 1147. Over centuries as it fell under different kings and ownership, the palace expanded, but much of its outlines and interiors have remained relatively intact till present day.
This oldest palace in Portugal saw the change in management throughout history. It was first built by Wallis, the Moorish governor of Sintra (10th c.) and thereafter became the property of Afonso Henriques, the first King of Portugal in 1147. Over centuries as it fell under different kings and ownership, the palace expanded, but much of its outlines and interiors have remained relatively intact till present day.
The two 38m high chimneys are the symbolics of the palace and were built for hunting banquets hosting in the past.
The queue took us about 45 minutes to an hour's wait. There were no 'fast pass' and everyone has to queue in line, even tour groups were no exception.
Into the Chambers
With a general ticket in hand, no guided tours no audio commentary guides were provided. You can however, top up 5€ for a guide which takes place at 230pm daily.Otherwise, you will be ushered in groups and may take your own pace exploring along the designated route within the compounds.
Look out for the Arabian influences since the 12th century as reflected on the Moorish tiles in the palace. The ceilings are also famed for their blend of Gothic, Moorish and Renaissance elements, a reflection of the monument's architecture and heritage.
The centrepiece is the ceiling of the Blazons Hall which holds an important record of the first quarter of the 16th century and remains an important historic relic for the Portuguese.
2. Moorish Castle
For something so gothic and extraordinary raw yet refined, head to the Moorish Castle. This castle was a military fort built in the 10th century by the Muslim that occupied the Iberian peninsula and acted as a control tower and an outpost for Lisbon.
Moorish Castle from afar.
After ticketing walk up a trail for the main entrance into the fort.
The magical trail took us 15 to 20 minutes and it's a one-way path so you will not lose your way.
Welcome By... Elves?!
You know you have reached the main entrance when you see them.
Yes they will be there to welcome you.
Join A Dance
In the "main atrium", there are, surprisingly, many recreational activities for visitors which included performances and various displays of the medieval Christian and Moorish periods.
Kids tried their hands on painting swords.
Medieval characters in costumes. The castle's medieval Islamic quarters are visible here.
Instagram-Worthy
The greatest reward from climbing up the fort will be the stunning, breathtaking panoramic view of Sintra downtown from above. The fort has since been restored periodically throughout history and attracts visitors from all over the world today
The fort stretches out from afar, one end to the other over a span of 155 metres.
The flags at various points along the fort held different meaning. The flag in green, shown below, left corner, stands for Sintra in arabic to symbolise the origin of the castle.
The flags further away, right corner, are variations of Portuguese flags at different periods in history.
Gorgeous, stunning view of Sintra.
National Palace of Sintra right there in the middle.
Pena Palace Spotted
Right on your left, perched on the Sintra Mountain top.
Castle Keep
The peak of one end lies the Portugal Flag commissioned since 1910 till now.
This castle tower is where civic officials resided during the old days.
Overlooking at the other end of the fort from Castle Keep
It's Gorgeous
Some might find it boring just climbing the cobbled stairs ( careful, might be slippery) and just looking at scenery. For me, it was pure aesthetic to witness the magnificence right in front of my eyes and I took pleasure in climbing and walking along the fort.
3. Pena Palace
Noted for its "eccentric" decorative style, Pena Palace is not to be missed when in Sintra. It's striking facade reflects a cheery vibe in yellow and red hues. If I may say so, this is not the color or architetural style you would expect from a 1800 building. Aren't we glad the vibrant original colors has since been restored.
If you have limited time, just go for Moorish Castle and Pena Palace
Directions
Pena Palace is simply a short 15 minutes easy walk from Moorish Castle. Skip the time waiting for the public bus and walk instead.
Peek-A-Boo
The whimsical facade will stand out from afar.
Stepping in to Pena Palace wa akin to entering an amusement theme park.
Anyone will most instantly be cheered up by those vibrant, loud colors.
Anyone will most instantly be cheered up by those vibrant, loud colors.
Watch Towers
Say Hi
Moorish Castle spotted from the top vantage point at Pena Palace
Queen's Terrace
Offers the best spot to view the architecture of the Palace.
Trito
Gateway of the Creation. Half-man half-fish figure.
Summer Residences
On the inside, we had an overview of the different section of the palace for the royal family.
Of course, the outdoors were definitely more appealing, with its strategic location overlooking Instagrammable monuments and landscapes.
We took a tea break after being on our feet the whole day long.
Finally.
Tempted?
I hope these 3 iconic monuments in Sintra will fill up your day as wonderfully as I had.I had managed to hop all 3 palaces within a day and you can too! If you have more time to spend, perhaps send a night or 2 over and explore the surrounding areas.
But you will definitely not regret making a stopover at Sintra, that's for sure.
PIN FOR LATER!
Before You Go
Check out Parques de Sinta Official Website for all of your Sintra visit needs.For the transportation to and around Sintra, I have posted another post as there are too much details to cover and I don't want to bore you with too much information.
For pricing of admissions and opening timings of the 3 attractions, read here.
Purchase tickets online to enjoy 5% discount
Enjoy Sintra!
