Just a short drive from Sintra's historic centre along Rua Barbosa do Bocage, past renowned landmarks like Quinta Regaleira and the Palácio de Seteais hotel, await one of Portugal's architectural and botanical gems. This enchanting estate boasts eclectic architecture and meticulously landscaped gardens, offering a delightful retreat. MADABOUTSINTRA.COM serves as your indispensable guide for directions and highlights. Hop on Bus #435 from Sintra's train station for convenient access. Secure your Skip-the-Line e-ticket [here] to Monserrate Palace to enhance your visit, ensuring you make the most of your time and budget.
With this entrance ticket you can gain entry to Monserrate Palace and Gardens at your leisure. Buy online before you arrive to avoid queues and have the convenience of the e-ticket on your phone. Reduced tickets for children 6-18 and seniors 65+ are available onsite.
Book with confidence with the FREE CANCELLATION option.
• Children under 6 get in free, please select a ticket for them
• Reduced tickets for children 6-18 and seniors 65+ are available onsite
Park, Daily: 09h00 – 19h00, (last admission 18h00)
Palace, Daily: 09h30 - 18h30, (last admission at 17h30)
Lisbon Card: 10% discount
Contact Details
2710-405 Sintra, Portugal.
38° 47' 30.7"N | 09° 25' 09.1"W | +351 219 237 300
info@parquesdesintra.pt | Website
Monserrate Palace (Palácio de Monserrate) - South View
The rich history of Monserrate traces back to the 12th century, linked to the reconquest of Sintra by Portugal's first King, Afonso Henriques. Legend has it that he commissioned a chapel here in gratitude for victory over the Moors. Later, a chapel inspired by Spain's Sanctuary of Monserrate was built in 1540, but was lost in the 1755 earthquake.
Through the centuries, Monserrate saw various owners, notably the merchant Gerard DeVisme in 1746, who constructed a Neo-Gothic mansion. William Beckford, a prominent figure, rented the property from 1793 to 1799, adding his artistic touch. Subsequent owner, Francis Cook, expanded the estate's eccentricities with architect James Knowles blending various architectural styles.
Recognised for its cultural significance, Monserrate Park and Palace became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, managed by Parques de Sintra since 2000, undergoing significant restoration. Today, its lush gardens and eclectic architecture continue to captivate visitors, preserving its storied legacy.
Step into the ornate interior of Monserrate Palace, where a blend of Indian, Arabesque, and Italian influences creates a captivating ambience. Begin your journey in the Main Hall, a striking octagonal space adorned with a Carrara marble fountain beneath a stucco-clad wood frame dome. Traverse the gallery corridor, featuring arabesque arches and columns, connecting the palace's towers.
Venture to the Music Room along the corridor's Northern arm, passing by the Indian Drawing Room and Billiards Room. Admire its domed ceiling adorned with depictions of muses and graces, renowned for its exceptional acoustics, ideal for cultural events and weddings.
Explore the Southern Corridor to discover the newly restored Library, boasting walnut shelves, high relief doors, and adorned walls with decorative paintings and wallpaper. Continue to the Entrance Hall, with its gothic arches and elegant pink marble columns leading to a terrace and the Triton Fountain, completing your enchanting journey through Monserrate Palace.
Monserrate Palace - Main Hall
Save even more money with these popular combination tickets. Book with confidence with the FREE CANCELLATION option.
Monserrate Palace - Terrace
Monserrate Palace Interior
There's a café on site close to the main house. | |
In shop and café. | |
Two parking areas, at front entrance and another a few meters bellow on the left. | |
By prior booking only: info@parquesdesintra.pt | +351 219 237 300 | |
Two car parking spaces for persons with mobility restrictions, sign language trained staff, manual wheelchairs available on reservation, traction equipment for wheelchairs, designated easy mobility route map available at the ticket office, adapted WC in café, 3D tactile models, Hop On Hop Off transport to the palace and dedicated seating. To book and for more information: Website |
The Grounds, Daily: 09h00 - 19h00, (last admission at 18h00)
The Palace, Daily: 09h30 - 18h30, (last admission at 18h00)
Lisbon Card: 15% discount
ONLINE TICKET | With this entrance ticket you can gain entry to Monserrate Palace and Gardens at your leisure. Buy online before you arrive to avoid queues and have the convenience of the e-ticket on your phone…
The Chapel of Our Lady of Monserrate - Monserrate Palace Gardens
In 2013, the Monserrate estate's grounds earned the prestigious European Garden Award, recognised as the "Best Development of a Historic Park or Garden." Renowned as an essential botanical collection, it showcases flora from around the world.
Originally designed by master gardener James Burt from Kew Gardens and further developed by Francis Cook, the estate's wooded hillsides boast an array of exotic foliage, including Chinese weeping cypress, dragon trees, and Himalayan rhododendrons. Explore the Mexican garden, featuring palms, yuccas, and agaves, or discover the bamboo-fringed Japanese garden adorned with camellias and azaleas. These meticulously crafted gardens stand as a testament to romance and remain among Portugal's most stunning landscapes.
The false ruin, conceptualised by Francis Cook, was crafted from the chapel erected by Gerard de Visme, replacing the original Chapel of Our Lady of Monserrate. Enveloped by lush vegetation, the ruin harmoniously merges with the neighbouring Australian rubber tree. Once housing three Etruscan sarcophagi as garden decorations, the chapel niche now holds historical significance. These artefacts currently reside within the collections of the São Miguel de Odrinhas Archaeological Museum in Sintra.
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.
Take the IC19 from Lisbon, IC30 from Mafra or EN9 turning off the A5 motorway to Cascais. Once you have arrived in the town's historic centre, you'll see a vertical sign showing the way to Monserrate (3.5 km or 2 miles ). | |
The Scotturb bus #435 leaves from Sintra Train station or outside the Tourist Information office in the centre of old town Sintra to The Palace of Monserrate. |
Contact Details
2710-405 Sintra, Portugal.
38° 47' 30.7"N | 09° 25' 09.1"W | +351 219 237 300
info@parquesdesintra.pt | Website