09.07.2019.
Only 1 hour away by train from wonderful Lisbon lies Sintra, the fabulous town full of castles, palaces and parks. It feels like you never left Lisbon as the train passes through many urban areas. Upon arrival, it’s totally different world. Many times I have heard about fairy-tale Sintra and its castles so it just awoke my curiosity.
How is it possible that castles are so high? This sweet town dwells in the mountainous spirit from the beginning to the end. Be warned, one day is not enough if you want to explore as much as you can and see all the elegant castles.
See also: Algarve- hidden beauties of the popular Portuguese region;
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How to get around Sintra
The easiest way to get around Sintra is by bus, as getting lost is a notorious thing. Since entering the town, the fairy tale starts. Quinta da Regaleira opens up the adventure in Sintra as the closest palace by foot in the town.
Train tickets from Lisbon to the fantasy land Sintra cost only 2 e.
Quinta da Regaleira- the gorgeous and mysterious park in Sintra
This park bursts with underground mystic passages and towers, little caves on the water and magnifiscient castles bathed in flowers. Such a historical place pours the astonishing views to Pena Palace. Protected as UNESCO World Heritage Site, Quinta da Regaleira Park vibrates with special charm and mysterious beauty. Developped by Italian architect Luigi Manini, the property was closed 10 years until it finally re-opened 1998.
Beyond five layers of the palace itself, the treasure is hidden in the wells, tunnels, lakes and fountains.
The trail towards Moorish castle in Sintra
Interesting shapes or rocks will lead you up to Penedo de Amizade, bellow de Moorish castle. It’s the rocky area, popular for climbling and the oldest in Portugal. This granit cliff contains 72 climbs with the views of isolated castles.
By the way up we can also find Silos for storing grains and vegetables, very common in Arabic world. Islamic houses are also there as the remains of the muslim occupants of the castle.
Moorish castle itself is the military fortress, dating back in the 10th century by muslim occupants as an observation point to the city of Lisbon.
Walking down to the centre you’ll pass the Parque das merendas (park of snacks or in Dalmatia they call the lunch or picknick time similar- marenda). The area is bathed with the elegant flowers like calla.
Pena Palace- the most famous castle in Sintra
Pena Palace is a colorful edifice, where symbolism and elegance that takes the breath away. Usually full of crowds, Pena Palace delights not only upon entering. The gorgeous park further away will take you into a new adventure of elegance.
Pena palace is not only the castle, but the whole park with hidden beauty of spiral shape. Few lakes enrich the atmosphere, especially the castle upon the island.
How to reach Pena Palace
Though the view of Pena Palace scatters in almost every corner of Sintra, going by foot is not an option.
Taking a bus from the train station is the best way to reach Pena Palace.
If you want to visit the Monserrate Palace on the return, take another bus from the train station. Lying in the opposite direction, it’s pretty worth to visit.
Monserrate Palace
After seeing the photos, I longed to see this beautiful, sweet, elegant palace and I managed the second year I came to Lisbon. Simple and eloquent, with golden charm set in nature the palace speaks through its picturesque arcades. Arabic, Gothic and Indian style blend in the perfect fusion. The architecture intertwines gently like the white lace in the peaceful rhythm.
Inside we can explore the Music Hall and the History of the Palace, also the Kitchen with its heating system.
Outside, the various types of gardens tell us the global story from its exotic shapes away from the world. Rose garden enriches the beauty of the Palace with its colourful collection and Mexican garden with plenty of cactuses, agavas and similar.
Monserrate palace is a special charm of Sintra, its most beautiful and elegant piece of heaven. From Quinta da Regaleira there’s a straight road to Monserrate palace, but I would recommend the bus.
Museums of Sintra
You can explore various museums at Sintra in the fairy-tale ambience full of nature and charm. Close to the train station you can visit Museum of art, Natural History Museum, News Museum or Air Museum. You can take a tram and explore the coast of Sintra. Or just roam around and get lost in the beauty. The Palace of Sintra in the very centre is also part of UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most preserved palace in Portugal.
Final thoughts
Sintra is such a special town from a cartoon that deserves more attention than 1 day. The palaces have their unique charm, rich in exquisite beauty. It’s hard to single out one particular palace. Sintra exists without time and place, its own uniqueness marks the blend of cultures and colours. Have you been to Sintra? Which is your favourite palace?
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Looks incredible, I’m going to Lisbon in August so will have to check it out!