| Page Views: 125 Last Visit to Sintra: May, 2009 | The romance of Sintra by toonsarah - last update: Jun 23, 2009 |
| Ceiling of Blazons' Hall, National Palace |
Sintra has been the favoured home of royalty and nobility since the 13th century, although its history goes back even further to the founding of the Moorish castle several hundred years before that. It flourished especially during the 14th to 16th centuries, when the Royal Palace was several times expanded and elaborated upon, and was then rediscovered by the Romantics, including Lord Byron, in the early 19th century and given a new lease of life. It is not difficult to see why it appealed to them, as this mix of somewhat wild countryside and romantic architecture matched their ideals of beauty perfectly. Their enthusiastic admiration of its virtues led to further, sympathetic, development including the forestation of the Serra de Sintra and the construction of sumptuous revivalist buildings such as the Palácio da Pena.
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| From the Gate of the Guardian, Quinta da Regaleira |
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Today’s Sintra continues this tradition of romance. It is home to no fewer than three national palaces: the Palácio da Vila, or Palácio Real (Royal Palace), the Palácio da Pena and the Palácio de Queluz. There are also two other palaces of note, the Monserrate Palace and Quinta da Regaleira, as well as a Moorish castle perched on top of a hill. The last of these has beautiful gardens, very much in the Romantic tradition.
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The town itself, though rather touristy, has plenty of charm, as well as all the facilities you need for a day trip or longer stay. And most visitors do seem to come only for a day, Sintra has so much to offer that a longer visit of maybe a weekend would be well worth considering. My one day there has certainly given me a strong liking for the town and I would love to return to see more of its delights. | | |
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| In A Nutshell: | "Romance and magic abound, despite the crowds" |
toonsarah's Sintra Travel Tips
| Overview | Things to Do
Tips: 5 - Photos: 17 | | | | Restaurants | Hotels & Accommodations | | | | Nightlife | Off The Beaten Path | | | | Tourist Traps | Warnings Or Dangers | | | Transportation
Tips: 1 - Photos: 1 | Local Customs
Tips: 1 - Photos: 1 | | | | Packing Lists | Shopping | | | | Sports Travel | General Tips |
 toonsarah's Sintra Travelogues | | | |
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 Comments for toonsarah about Sintra | | | | |
micas_pt Thu Jul 23, 2009 15:14 UTC
Good page about Sintra Sarah! Nice detailed info and good photos. | cachaseiro Thu Jul 9, 2009 23:37 UTC
good tips and nice memories on your sintra page. | Nemorino Sun Jul 5, 2009 14:57 UTC
Very informative & well-written tips, as always! So sad for you and Ingrid that those houses weren't for sale. I once spent a night in Sintra (I've just looked it up: it was on March 17, 1963, on a long bicycle tour), but don't remember anything about it. | sourbugger Sat Jul 4, 2009 14:30 UTC
an excellent write up, my fine friend. looks like i really missed out this year ! |
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