Sintra — palaces and gardens across the Serra
Above the historic town, wooded slopes connect the bright silhouette of Pena with the stone ramparts of the Moorish Castle.
From the source
The UNESCO Cultural Landscape of Sintra links the wooded Serra with historic palaces, fortifications, parks and gardens. The map pin marks the Lakes Entrance to the Park of Pena, one way into this larger landscape.
Editorial reading
UNESCO describes how Ferdinand II made a palace and park around the former monastery at Pena in the nineteenth century. Pena’s planted slopes and the older ridge fortifications let visitors read two uses of the same terrain: a high position for watching the surrounding country and a setting for a Romantic garden.
Recommendation
Start at the Lakes Entrance for the park, or use the public transport and walking options listed by Parques de Sintra. If you book the palace interior, allow time to climb from the park entrance to your reserved palace slot. Check access separately for the Moorish Castle.
Sources
Connected Landscapes, Terroirs & Living Heritage
Explore the historic gardens, remarkable villages, wine terroirs, and cultural itineraries intimately connected with this heritage landscape.
Pena Palace
Pena Palace and its surrounding park form an ensemble on the Sintra hills. The palace is associated with Fernando II and Portuguese Romanticism. Its coloured façades rise above a wooded park crossed by winding paths.
Castelo dos Mouros
Castelo dos Mouros is a château at Sintra (Santa Maria e São Miguel, São Martinho e São Pedro de Penaferrim), Lisbon, in Portugal. The recorded building campaign dates from the 7th century. The register records it as “National Monument of Portugal”. Details are drawn from Wikidata.
Palacete das Murtas
Palacete das Murtas is a château at Sintra (Santa Maria e São Miguel, São Martinho e São Pedro de Penaferrim), Lisbon, in Portugal. The recorded building campaign dates from the 19th century. The register records it as “heritage without legal protection”. Details are drawn from Wikidata.