MONSERRATE PALACE (PALÁCIO DE MONSERRATE)

The history of Monserrate dates back to the 12th century and the reconquest of Sintra when it's said Afonso Henriques, Portugal's first King, commissioned a chapel here dedicated to the Virgin to give thanks for his victory over the Moors. A later chapel dating from 1540 was inspired by the Sanctuary of Monserrate, near Barcelona. Sadly, however, this chapel did not survive the devastating earthquake of 1755.

The building and grounds came under the control of several foreign individuals, leading to its current state. After coming to Portugal in around 1746, the prominent merchant Gerard DeVisme spent most of his life at Monserrate. He held a notable position within the British Factory located in Lisbon. It is a commonly held belief that he amassed significant wealth through his involvement in the diamond trade in Brazil. In 1790, Gerard DeVisme constructed a Neo-Gothic mansion at Monserrate. However, due to laws in Portugal that prohibited foreigners from owning property, DeVisme was only permitted to rent the location.

Between 1793 and 1799, William Beckford, the author of the Gothic novel Vathek, and the wealthiest untitled Englishman of that time rented the property. Beckford was in self-exile from British society after his scandalous affair with a very young Earl of Devon was exposed. During his stay, he applied his artistic talents to improving the estate. He landscaped a waterfall and even imported a flock of sheep from his Wiltshire estate. When Lord Byron visited Monserrate in 1809, he observed the ruinous state of the building. However, he found inspiration in its shabby-chic appearance when writing Childe Harold's Pilgrimage. As a result, Monserrate gained popularity among foreign visitors.

The next proprietor of Monserrate was another Englishman, Francis Cook, who took it upon himself to expand on the eccentricities of DeVisme. The task of reforming the site fell on the architect James Knowles who set about applying Indian, Gothic, Italian and Moorish influences. The design is said to have been influenced by both the Duomo Cathedral in Florence and the Royal Pavilion in Brighton. Cook also employed the head gardener from Kew to lay over a thousand different species of subtropical trees and plants. Monserrate once had the only lawn in Iberia, and today its garden is still considered one of Europe's finest.

The Monserrate Park and Palace were awarded as a Property of Public Interest in 1993 and later included in the Cultural Landscape of Sintra. It was designated a World Heritage by UNESCO in 1995. In 2000, Parques de Sintra assumed responsibility for managing the estate and began a significant restoration and recovery effort.

The interior of Monserrate Palace is incredibly ornate without being overtly kitsch, drawing from Indian, Arabesque and Italian architectural influences. The first room you come to as you enter is the Main Hall. This octagonal atrium has a Carrara marble fountain at its centre. Look up to marvel at the stucco-clad wood frame dome. Leading off the main hall is the gallery corridor connecting the three towers and allowing access from one side of the house to the other. Along its length are a series of arabesque arches and columns.

To get to the Music Room, simply walk down the Northern arm of the corridor, passing by the Indian Drawing Room and the Billiards Room. The room features a stunning domed ceiling and walls adorned with depictions of muses and graces. The acoustics here are exceptional, making it a popular venue for cultural events and weddings.

As you walk down the Southern Corridor, you'll encounter the newly restored Library. Some of its noteworthy features include the walnut shelves, high relief doors, and beautifully adorned walls with decorative paintings and wallpaper. Continuing on, you'll reach the Entrance Hall, also designed in an octagonal shape with gothic arches and elegant pink marble columns lining the walls. The Entrance Hall leads to a terrace and the Triton Fountain.

In 2013 the grounds of the Monserrate estate was distinguished with a European Garden Award under the category of the "Best Development of a Historic Park or Garden". It's also created as an important botanical collection with species from all corners of the globe.

Originally landscaped by the master gardener James Burt from Kew Gardens under the direction of William Stockdale and continued by Francis Cook. Its wooded hillsides bristle with exotic foliage, from Chinese weeping cypress to dragon trees and Himalayan rhododendrons. Also, there's the Mexican garden containing palms, yuccas and agaves. Also, look out for the bamboo-fringed Japanese garden with its camellias and azaleas. The resulting gardens remain one of the most beautiful romantic landscapes ever created in Portugal.

TRAVELLING TO MONSERRATE PALACE

It's possible to walk from the historical centre of Sintra, a pleasent couple of miles along the forested road of Rua Barbosa do Bocage, past the Quinta Regaleira and the Palácio de Seteais hotel.

Contact Details
2710-405 Sintra, Portugal.
38° 47' 30.7"N | 09° 25' 09.1"W | +351 219 237 300
info@parquesdesintra.pt |  Website