NATIONAL PALACE OF SINTRA

In the 11th century, Arab geographer Al-Bakrî noted two formidable castles in Sintra: one overlooking the town and the other, the National Palace in its centre. Initially, the Palace served as the residence of the Almoravid governors of the Taifa of Lisbon. However, after the Christian conquest led by Alfonso Henriques in 1147, the Palace transitioned into Christian hands while Moorish artisans continued its upkeep.

Sintra, because of its proximity to Lisbon, pleasant climate, and excellent hunting grounds, became the preferred summer retreat for early Portuguese royalty. King Dinis, reigning from 1279 to 1325, further solidified this by relocating his private quarters to the Palace's highest room adjacent to the Palatine Chapel, which remains intact to this day.

Substantial transformations during the reign of King João I, starting in 1415, marked a period of significant expansion. Notable additions included the splendid Swan Room, adorned with painted swans on its Manueline-style ceiling, the Magpie Room featuring magpies holding the emblem "por bem" (for honour), and the Arab Room. The Palace's main façade, with its distinctive entrance arches, mullioned windows, and iconic conical chimneys, bears the imprint of King João's reign, blending Manueline and Moorish architectural styles.

During the reign of Dom Manuel I, spanning from 1497 to 1530, Portugal experienced its Age of Discovery, marked by significant building campaigns funded by the wealth amassed from expeditions. King Manuel spearheaded these efforts, giving rise to the distinctive Manueline architectural style. This innovative style, blending elements of Gothic, Renaissance, and Mudéjar influences, symbolised Portugal's newfound global prominence.

Under Dom Manuel's patronage, the construction of the Ala Manuelina (Manuel's Wing) commenced, featuring characteristic Manueline windows adorning the right side of the main façade. Additionally, the Coats-of-Arms Room (Sala dos Brasões) was erected between 1515 and 1518. This room boasts a stunning wooden coffered domed ceiling adorned with 72 coats of arms representing Portuguese noble families.

Throughout the centuries following its construction, the Palace underwent minimal changes until notable events unfolded. One significant occurrence was the imprisonment of King Afonso VI, afflicted with mental instability, by his brother Pedro II in 1676. Afonso remained confined within the Palace until his passing in 1683.

The destructive earthquake of 1755 caused the collapse of the tower over the Arab Room. Subsequently, in the late 18th century, Queen Maria I embarked on redecorating and redividing the rooms of the Ala Manuelina.

In the 19th century, Sintra emerged as a fashionable retreat for royalty, leading to renewed interest in the Palace. Queen Amélia, particularly enamored with the Palace, sketched numerous drawings of it. Following Portugal's transition to a Republic in 1910, the Palace attained national monument status. Architect Raul Lino spearheaded restoration efforts in the 1940s, aiming to restore its former grandeur by incorporating antique furniture from other palaces and refurbishing tile panels.

Since then, the National Sintra Palace has remained a significant historical attraction, drawing tourists from far and wide.

Opening Times
Daily: 09h30 - 18h30, (last admission at 18h00)