Hidden among the greenery of the mountains or right in the center of the town, these palaces in Sintra attract visitors from all over the world , fascinated by the unique architecture and fairy-tale atmosphere.
Let’s meet them one by one, from one end to the other.
Table Of Contents
Pena National Palace
One of Sintra’s (and Portugal’s) greatest landmarks, the Pena Palace and the surrounding park are the ultimate exponent of romantic revivalism in Portugal, undoubtedly one of the most incredible palaces in Sintra.
Located on Monte da Lua, right at the top of the Serra de Sintra, it was born from the imagination of King Ferdinand and turned into an authentic fairytale palace.
Inside, the decoration in the style of the kings of the time, the chapel and the beautiful wall paintings stand out.
Monserrate Palace
Built in 1856 as a summer residence for Francis Cook, the Monserrate Palace is one of the most incredible creations of romanticism.
The interior of this palace in Sintra reveals elegant and luxurious spaces such as the Gallery (the corridor that connects the palace’s three towers), the music room, the dining room and the library.
Outside, the gardens are home to a remarkable botanical collection with species from all over the world.
Regaleira Palace
Quinta da Regaleira and its palace are probably the most popular places to visit enigmatic and mystical sintra.
Built at the beginning of the 20th century by millionaire António Carvalho Monteiro (also known as Monteiro dos Milhões), the building is an example of the romantic revivalist style that combines Gothic, Manueline and Renaissance elements, but also a lot of esoteric symbolism.
On the estate, covered in lush vegetation, the Chapel of the Holy Trinity and, above all, the famous initiation well, with its iconic spiral staircase, stand out.
Biester Palace
O Biester Palace is another of Sintra’s timeless symbols that you can visit from the end of April 2022.
The building of this palace in Sintra dates back to the last 20 years of the 19th century (1880-1899).
It is a unique example of romantic architecture, having been the residence of the Biester family, who commissioned it from José Luiz Monteiro, a renowned architect of national architecture, who gave it a unique decoration and various artistic details, which were the responsibility of the master carver Leandro Braga and the artists Luigi Manini and Paul Baudry.
Sintra National Palace
With Arab origins, this palace in the heart of the town has been the residence of the Portuguese royal family since the 12th century .
It is a unique example of Portuguese medieval palaces, but it reveals various architectural styles (reflecting the tastes of different kings), ranging from Gothic to Mudejar and Manueline.
Don’t miss the chapel, the kitchens with their large conical chimneys, but also the Swan, Coat of Arms and Handle rooms.
Seteais Palace
Built in the 18th century, it houses one of the most emblematic and stunning hotels in Sintra: the Tivoli Palácio de Seteais.
Located on the slopes of the mountains, it offers incredible views from the Pena Palace to the sea. The gardens surrounding this five-star hotel are also breathtaking and romantic.
Valenças Palace
Located in the heart of the town of Sintra, between Parque da Liberdade and the National Palace of Sintra, this imposing building of revivalist architecture served as the residence of the Count of Valenças.
Among the palaces in Sintra, Valenças has some curious elements, such as a tile panel on the main façade that simulates a door guard.
It currently houses the Sintra Municipal Archives, but it used to be the municipal library.
The former employees said that a ghost called Palmira lived there, a former servant of the Count who committed suicide there because of an impossible love.
Chalet of the Countess of Edla
Built in the 19th century by King Ferdinand II for his second wife, the Countess of Edla, this building follows the model of the Alpine chalets of the time.
Inside, a decorative stucco mural painting stands out, as does the wall cladding with inlaid cork and wood panels.
The romantic garden has a botanical collection with hundreds of species, including native vegetation and exotic specimens from all over the world.
Queluz National Palace
Located in Queluz, still in the municipality of Sintra, the Queluz National Palace was built by King Pedro II between 1747 and 1786 to serve as the royal residence.
Both the palace and the garden reveal strong French and Italian influences. The collection includes Baroque, Rocaille and Neoclassical elements.
Outside there is a botanical garden, lakes, fountains and the facilities of the Portuguese Art Equestrian School.
Map with the Palaces of Sintra, and the list for your phone!
Palácios e monumentos em Sintra vão ter entrada gratuita em mais de 60 dias por ano