The National Palace of Sintra is a royal palace in the historic centre of Sintra, known for the two conical chimneys above its kitchen. Parques de Sintra describes it as the oldest palace in Portugal, with a first building probably from the 10th or 11th century, when Sintra was under Muslim rule.
The palace grew over many centuries and is part of the Cultural Landscape of Sintra.
What to see at the National Palace of Sintra
- Kitchen: the royal kitchen sits under the two conical chimneys that shape the skyline of the town.
- Swan Room: a large hall with a ceiling painted with swans.
- Magpie Room: a room with a ceiling painted with magpies, each holding a rose and a scroll with the motto "Por Bem".
- Room of the Coats of Arms: a domed room built for King Manuel I, with the royal arms and the coats of arms of Portuguese noble families on the ceiling, above walls lined with tile panels.
- Chamber of Afonso VI: the room where the deposed King Afonso VI was confined in the late 17th century.
- Chapel: the palace chapel, with a decorated wooden ceiling and a tiled floor.
- Central Patio and Water Grotto: an inner courtyard with a grotto for cooling off in summer.
- Gardens: the gardens next to the palace can be visited separately from the interior.
History of the National Palace of Sintra
- 10th or 11th century: the first building is probably built under Muslim rule.
- Late Middle Ages: the palace is at the centre of a large territory under the care of the Queens of Portugal. Kings use it for hunting, for the cool summers, and as a refuge from plague in Lisbon.
- Early 15th century: King João I carries out major building works.
- Early 16th century: King Manuel I adds new wings, including the Room of the Coats of Arms.
- Late 17th century: the deposed King Afonso VI is confined in the palace until his death.
- 1910: the palace is classified as a National Monument.
- 1995: UNESCO inscribes the Cultural Landscape of Sintra on the World Heritage List.
Visiting the National Palace of Sintra
- Management: Parques de Sintra manages the palace. Its website publishes the visit options, opening times and prices.
- Location: the palace stands on Largo Rainha D. Amélia, in the historic centre, 10 to 15 minutes on foot from Sintra train station. Quinta da Regaleira is a short walk away.
- Access by car: traffic in the historic centre is limited to residents, so visitors park outside the centre and walk or take the bus.
Other places in the Cultural Landscape of Sintra