Sintra National Palace — Attraction in Sintra

I had the pleasure of visiting the Sintra National Palace (Palácio Nacional de Sintra) today and I must say it was an incredible experience. This historical landmark is a must-see for anyone visiting Portugal and it is well worth the 10 euro entrance fee.

The palace is an architectural marvel with its distinct chimneys and Gothic-style features. As soon as you enter, you are transported back in time to the medieval era. The intricate details in the decor and furnishings are a testament to the exquisite taste of the former Portuguese royalty who once inhabited the palace.

The palace is spread across multiple levels and each room has its unique charm. The highlight of the visit for me was the Sala dos Brasões (Coat of Arms Room) which is decorated with over 70 coats of arms of the Portuguese royal families. The ceiling of this room is a work of art with intricate paintings depicting the 15th-century conquest of Ceuta.

The palace is also home to several other rooms, each with its distinct style and function. The Sala dos Cisnes (Swan Room) is an elegant room with its ceiling adorned with swan motifs. The Sala das Pegas (Magpie Room) has a unique feature where the walls are adorned with paintings of magpies stealing jewelry, symbolizing the temptation of wealth.

The palace also offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape from its balconies. You can see the rolling hills of Sintra and the colorful Pena Palace in the distance.

The staff at the palace were incredibly friendly and helpful. They provided us with an audio guide that was informative and helped us better appreciate the history and significance of the palace.

Overall, my visit to the Sintra National Palace was a highlight of my trip to Portugal. I would highly recommend it to anyone who appreciates history, architecture, and culture. The 10 euro entrance fee is well worth...

The Palácio Nacional de Sintra is an absolute must-visit, with two standout features that left us truly mesmerized: the Coat of Arms Room and the Palace's Kitchen.

The Coat of Arms Room is nothing short of spectacular. Its grandiose ceiling, adorned with the coats of arms of 72 noble families, is a dazzling display of artistry and heraldry. The intricate details and vivid colors make it a visual feast, offering a fascinating glimpse into Portugal's noble history. It's an awe-inspiring room that showcases the grandeur and pride of the Portuguese monarchy.

Equally impressive is the Palace's Kitchen. The enormous twin chimneys are iconic, and stepping into this space feels like traveling back in time. The kitchen is remarkably well-preserved, with its massive hearths and historical cooking implements giving insight into the culinary practices of the past. It's easy to imagine the bustling activity that once filled this grand kitchen.

The Palácio Nacional de Sintra combines these unique and beautifully preserved elements to provide an unforgettable experience. Whether you're a history buff or simply looking to immerse yourself in the rich culture of Portugal, this palace is an extraordinary destination. Highly...

YOU NEED TO TAKE TIME TO GET THERE. You can not go there by car. You need to take tuktuk, walk or take bus. We didn't know that so we where going around busy Sintra center, impossible to find parking place. Finally we found parking and tuktuk which cost us 30€. There was no clear instructions so we were quite confused from where to go to the palace and from where to the park. To the palace you need to also walk 20 min from where tuktuk leaves you, or take transfer, which also cost little. And because of the line we needed to wait about 25 min to get the transfer to the palace. We were late from our time, so we didn't go inside the palace, just saw it outside. It does look great and would be worth of money if we would just know clearly how to go there so we could be in time. It would be nice also if people would help and tell instructions because we really felt lost before we found our tuktuk. From internet you can find tickets which include transfer to the palace, but you need to first...