SINTRA OLD TOWN (VILA VELHA)

Embark on a delightful fifteen-minute stroll to Sintra's old town and discover its captivating sights. Your journey begins with the striking Neo-Gothic town hall, a testament to Sintra's love affair with romanticism. Erected between 1906 and 1909 on the former chapel of São Sebastião's foundations, the town hall showcases exemplary revivalist architecture, featuring exaggerated medieval influences. Its iconic clock tower dominates Sintra's skyline, adorned with green and white tiles depicting the Portuguese coat of arms. The central spire, crowned with an armillary sphere and surrounded by four smaller spires, boasts false crenellations and arched Neo-Manueline windows. While the ornate interior remains a working space inaccessible to the public, the exterior offers a glimpse into Sintra's architectural heritage.
Largo Dr. Virgilio Horta,2714-501 Sintra, Portugal. | 38° 47' 56.6" N | 09° 23' 17.0" W
+351 219 238 500 |  Website

As you leave the town hall behind and proceed along the Volta Duche road toward the old town centre, you'll be greeted by an array of sculptures crafted by local artists, both permanent installations and temporary displays. Along this scenic route, artisans showcase their talents, offering handmade crafts such as jewellery, figurines, and paintings for sale. The name "Volta Duche" harks back to the site's history as the location of former public baths established in 1848. Today, the natural spring that once supplied water to these baths continues to serve as a vital source for the local water supply.

Queijadas da Sapa

As you journey, you'll come across the renowned Queijadas da Sapa bakery, a Sintra institution since 1756, famed for its delectable little cheesecakes. Crafted by hand in the traditional, albeit time-intensive manner, these treats can be purchased directly from the bakery or at various outlets throughout town. A six-pack of these delicacies makes for an excellent souvenir and savour the flavours of Sintra's culinary heritage.
12 Volta Duche, 2710-631 Sintra, Portugal. | 38° 47' 53.7" N | 09° 23' 17.2" W | +351 219 230 493
Weekdays: 09h30 – 18h00, Weekends: 09h30 – 18h30, Mondays: CLOSED

Parque da Liberdade

Often overlooked is the entrance to Sintra's public park, Parque da Liberdade, which has undergone continual enhancements since its establishment in 1937. Offering a serene retreat, the park features ample seating and picnic areas for relaxation. Enjoy the shade provided by over 60 diverse tree species, many of them exotic, accompanied by informative plaques. The beautifully landscaped and biodiverse gardens ascend the hill, with narrow tracks branching off from the main paths. Within the park, visitors can explore the Virtual Theatre, recounting the first encounter between Portuguese explorers and the people of Japan in the 16th century. Over the years, sports facilities such as tennis courts and a skating rink have been added, enhancing the park's appeal to visitors of all interests.

Fonte Mourisca

Back on the Volta Duche, once you have turned the corner you'll see the magnificent Fonte Mourisca fountain on your left and the entrance to the Anjos Teixeira Museum on the right.

Largo Rainha Dona Amélia stands as the central square in the old town, often the initial stop for visitors arriving by coach or bus from the train station. Surrounding the square are restaurants, gift shops, and wine boutiques, albeit with some marked by inflated prices. Narrow side streets radiate from the square, leading uphill. Along Rua das Padeiras sits the renowned Piriquita café, a cherished family establishment. Here, patrons indulge in local pastries and delicacies, including Sintra's renowned Queijadas and Travesseiros. Delight your taste buds with these traditional treats at the Piriquita café, a beloved Sintra institution.
Daily: 08h30 – 20h00, Closed Wednesdays

1 & 18 Rua das Padarias, 2710-603, Sintra.
+351 219 230 626 | geral@piriquita.pt |  Website

Pelourinho

The pillory, or Pelourinho, situated on its three steps adjacent to Largo Rainha Dona Amélia, is a 20th-century replica crafted in 1940 by José da Fonseca. The original structure was lost to history, destroyed in 1854. Explore this iconic landmark in the heart of Sintra's old town, restored to its former glory in the 20th century by skilled artisans.

Igreja de São Martinho

Often overshadowed, the Igreja de São Martinho church has stood just off Largo Rainha Dona Amélia since the 12th century. Across its extensive history, the church has undergone significant restoration and reconstruction, notably after the destructive. Today the original structure remaining is the Gothic chancel, visible from the outside, including the 14th Century stone plaque of Margarida Fernandes, and inside three Portuguese-painted wood panels dating from the middle of the 16th Century depicting Saint Martin and the Beggar, Saint Peter and Saint Anthony.

The National Palace of Sintra

The Palace dominating the old town centre, distinguished by its iconic chimneys visible from afar. The Palace's origins date back to the Moorish era. It came under the ownership of Dom Afonso Henriques in 1147, after the Christian conquest of Sintra. Retaining its arabesque character, the Palace has left an indelible mark on Portuguese architecture. Today, the Sintra National Palace stands as one of Portugal's top attractions and a cherished national monument. Plan to dedicate approximately an hour and a half to exploring this historic landmark during your visit. Experience the grandeur and heritage of the Sintra National Palace, a must-see destination in Portugal. [ More About ► ]

This circular service, operated by Scott URB, is perfect for travelers arriving from Lisbon by train. The route commences outside the Sintra train station (not the Portela de Sintra station), ascending the hill to the Sintra Old Town centre, home to the National Palace and a plethora of restaurants, cafes, and shops. From there, the bus winds its way up the steep road to the Moorish Castle (Castelo dos Mouros). Continuing its journey, the bus heads to the Pena Palace (Palácio da Pena) and its surrounding park before descending back to the train station. While it's possible to visit all three attractions in one day, two is typically sufficient, especially if you plan to enjoy lunch in the town centre. Tickets can be purchased onboard from the driver.
Return: €8.40 | One Way: €4.55 | Timetable
Scott URB Website

If you're travelling by bus from Cascais or Estoril consider buying a All Day Ticket valid on Scott URB network. Buy from ticket office or driver. Turístico diário:€ 15.00

If you're travelling by train from Lisbon consider buying a Train & Bus Ticket valid on Scott URB network and the CP Urban train network. Buy from ticket office. Turístico diário: € 15.80