Considered one of the 49 pre-finalists for the 7 Wonders of Portugal, in the category of Villages , Penedo is also considered one of the most traditional villages in Sintra , possibly the most traditional of all.
Just over 50 minutes from Lisbon, Penedo is located in the Serra de Sintra , in the middle of a natural park, but little is known about the origin of the village of Penedo.
Some authors, in 1527, have found references to this place in the 13th century, which also makes it one of the oldest in the country.
A typical Portuguese village
Just like in the hillbilly village of Mata Pequena, 30 minutes from Lisbon, Penedo still has some old houses with whitewashed walls and even a bandstand, giving it that typical Portuguese village look we love so much.
Located high up on one of Sintra’s hillsides, it allows visitors to take an adventurous walk through the steep and labyrinthine streets and alleys, including a visit to the fountain in the center of the village.
A visit to the chapel at the top of the village is also a good idea, as it offers the rustic beauty of a church with many centuries of history.
Penedo also has some more modern housing and, if the weather helps, you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of the Atlantic Ocean and Praia das Maçãs.
Religious festivals
According to the Sintra Town Hall website, Penedo is the last place on the Portuguese mainland to hold the traditional “Império” or “Espírito Santo” festivities, which continue to exist on the island of Terceira in the Azores.
The Divine Holy Spirit Festivities, which is what they are called in Penedo, date back to the reign of King Dinis and Queen Santa Isabel, and are of great importance in the history of this village.
A must-see
If you’re like us and also like to venture around the outskirts of what Lisbon has to offer, we’re sure you’ll love a visit to Penedo.
Sintra has many attractions to discover and a visit to the village of Penedo is always a good option. Have fun there!
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