"A gorgeous hill station" a Sintra Travel Page by HarShe

Sintra is simply a must, if you are in the area of Lisbon! The old Moorish city, which was recaptured in 1147 by the Portuguese King Alfons 1, has been the summer residence of the Portuguese kings and the aristocracy for more than 600 years. Today Sintra is a popular tourist spot, surely not least because of its mild humid climate and its picturesque location at the foot of the small coastal mountains Sierra de Sintra that rise sharply above the city. The main attraction, however, are its historical sights.

The landmark of Sintra is the National Palace (Palacio Nacional), with its huge, conic, white twin chimneys, which rise above the large palace kitchen, and are visible from quite a distance. It is one of the most important examples of regal architecture in Portugal and for that reason is classified as a National Monument.

High up on the hilltops of the Sierra de Sintra, the well preserved remains of the imposing Moorish Castle (and the Pena Palace rise above the city. The Moorish castle (Castelo dos Mouros) was built by the Moors in the 8th and 9th centuries and its walls wind themselves like a small Chinese wall round the rock ridges. From the towers and walls one has a spectacular outlook onto the city and its surroundings.