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The dazzling Disneyland-like Pena Palace tends to steal the limelight and the Sintra National Palace doesn't really get the attention it deserves. However, you can’t miss the 2 striking, but odd-looking, white conical towers. They caught our eye and we were immediately intrigued. What on earth they were? It turns out that they are enormous chimneys stacks, built in the 1300s to vent the kitchen fires. One wonders what they could've have been cooking to warrant such huge chimneys? Entire herds of roasted wildebeest? Admittedly, the palace may seem a little pricey (€10) but it was fascinating mainly because it has remained essentially unchanged since the 16th century and is the best preserved medieval royal palace in Portugal. Information inside the palace is adequate and the audio guide is helpful. There are English tours but the timing didn't work for us. I thought the main highlights were: i) The Kitchen – this room answered all our questions about those strange towers. Today you can stand under them and look right up inside them. ii) Swan Room – King John’s 15th century banquet hall is painted with elegant white swans over the entire ceiling. And because you simply can’t have enough birds on your ceilings, the connecting room has a ceiling full of 136 chattering magpies (who supposedly represent the gossipy ladies-in-waiting). iii) the Blazons Hall – a stunning hexagonal domed ceiling with gold patterning, coats of arms and large stags. The walls are wrapped in blue and white azujelos tiled hunting scenes.…
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Date of experience: March 2020
13 Helpful votes
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The Sintra Palace “Palácio Nacional de Sintra” is located in the historic center of the city. The palace is characterized by two large chimneys that are located above the kitchen. A strong Moorish influence can be found in the architectural style. During the Moorish rule of the area, the Castelo dos Mouros was built on a hill further on. This was the military base in the area. A little lower a palace was built for the Moorish rulers. After the Reconquista both buildings were badly damaged. In the 15th century, a new palace was built on the site of the residence. It was inhabited by several Kings of Portugal. Over the centuries, the building was expanded a number of times. Nice location for a visit, but very difficult to find a place to park the car.…
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Date of experience: October 2020
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The palacio was very quiet and we were able to look around at our own pace. Unlike many of the old royal palaces, it is light and airy. The staff and signage were helpful
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Date of experience: September 2020
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Beautiful place it's a must if you get to go to Portugal. You can live the history in this beautiful place. And its gardens are amazing.
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Date of experience: November 2019
1 Helpful vote
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This was the first palace in Sintra that I visited. It is right in the city centre, unlike the others that are either up the hills or deep in the forest. It was super nice. I absolutely loved it. The building itself is very beautiful, inside and outside. Definitely worth a visit.…
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Date of experience: November 2019
3 Helpful votes
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