Mountain town holds peaks of Portuguese culture
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AFTER a short drive inland from the airport in Lisbon, I started my Portugal vacation at Sintra, a picturesque town nestled at the foot of the Sintra Mountains.
Sintra has long been a favorite summer destination for Portugal’s royals and Europe’s aristocrats. Every visitor to Portugal should have at least one day in the verdant town of Sintra scheduled on their itinerary, although two days should be enough for most travelers to see everything at a leisurely pace.
It was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 1995.
A rich culture, extravagant architecture, steep hills, and excellent local cuisine are what await in this oasis of tranquility, where one will have enough space to get lost and truly unwind.
Most of the hotels or bed & breakfasts are located in the center of the town, yet secluded from the tourist venues. My random pick of a local 19th-century chalet was a surprisingly authentic start of my experience in Sintra. With a warm homey feel, the parquet floors covered with rugs and wooden furnishings with local tapestries provided a historic feel to the space. The country’s famous Port wines were served in the living room free of charge.
There are many things to do in this iconic and historically prominent town but if you are short on time, start with exploring its architectural delights.
The town is well developed. Its tourist route is equipped with an easy hop-on-and-hop-off bus that spots at local points of interest.
A 10-minute walk from my hotel, the National Palace of Sintra is the only palace built by Portuguese monarchs during the Middle Ages that survives largely intact to the present day. It has maintained the same essential features in terms of shape and outline since the mid-16th century.
The different heights of the space are adapted to the lie of the land. The intimate layout of open-air internal patios where running water can be heard, the arched windows and the richly decorated geometric tiled surfaces all show the Moorish influence of the craftsmen who built and decorated the palace.
The ceilings of the palace’s main spaces are notable for their harmonious blend of Gothic, Moorish and Renaissance elements that are so characteristic of the monument’s architecture and heritage, and a living memorial to the major events in Portuguese history, including its expansion into new worlds.
The structure is hailed for its eclectic melange of architecture. Wandering through its interconnecting courtyards and corridors to appreciate its eclectic style is one of the most pleasant experiences one can have in Sintra.
Another palace worth visiting is the fairy-style National Palace of Pena. Perched high on a hilltop above the romantic town, Pena is considered the fruit of King Ferdinand II’s creative genius and the greatest expression of 19th-century Romanticism in Portugal with obvious influences from the Moorish and Manueline styles of architecture.
Since 2007, it has been recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal and has won designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Before walking to the top level of the palace, which offers a panoramic view of the town and the coastline, you can delight in the beautiful greenery home to a varied combination of tree species.
Other attractions in Sintra include the Moorish Castle, Quinta da Regaleira, Queluz National Palace and others. Sintra’s palaces, castles, and landscaped gardens are a feast for the eyes.
But don’t forget to indulge your senses with the delights of local gastronomy. Start your breakfast with world-famous Pastel de Nata and other freshly baked local pastries, and end your evening with seafood simply cooked with fresh ingredients and olive oil and decent Portuguese wine. Several eateries decked out in a traditional style with simple furnishings are actually the best places to enjoy authentic local delicacies. Try to avoid those with tourist crowds.
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