Sintra Portugal

 

 

"The town of Sintra is one of Europe’s wonderful example of the whimsical and colorful romanticism style of architecture. This elaborate 19th-century design was inspired by the love of art and the mysticism of ancient cultures, to create decorative and flamboyant buildings, of which the Pena Palace is a true example. 

For such a relatively small town, Sintra contains an abundance of historic monuments and enthralling tourist attractions. Within the town, there are more than ten national monuments, and these varied buildings range from extravagant palaces and decadent houses through to ancient ruinous castles." To read more follow this link.

 

 

 

 

We took a direct train from the metro stop Rossio in Lisbon. The round trip ticket is less than five dollars and the trains leave three times each hour, the ride is forty minutes. At the train station, you can either hike to the center of town or take a bus or tuk-tuk. French Husband I walked up to the center of the charming little town and had lunch at the Lawrence Hotel.

We sat inside surrounded by windows which allowed an enchanted view of the forest.

There is a bus stop two steps away from the Lawrence Hotel that we caught to go to Pena Palace.

 

There is a pastry / cafe at the Palace.

 

 

 

 

 

The bus leaves you at the base of the hotel, the hike is a gradual climb on a cobblestone path that weaves through a forest/garden.

 

 

 

 

One of the views from the bottom.

 

 

 

As it is up in the hills it is a bit cooler than Lisbon.

No matter the weather do go, as the view it offers is spectacular and I imagine in the fog it would allow for some incredible photos. Rain or shine it is dramatic and eye appealing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Unsurprisingly, Sintra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are traces of human habitation stretching all the way back to the Neolithic times and the Romans also spent some time here. Fast forward to now, and the town seems to be filled with castles, parks and monasteries." Read and See more by follwing this link.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other things to do in Sintra?

Follow this link.

 

 

A delightful pastry/cafes in Sintra

Brightly color yellow pastelaria Piriquita 

 R. das Padarias 18, 2710-533 Sintra,

and Cafe Saudade

Av. Doutor Miguel Bombarda, nº6, 2710-590 Sintra.

 

Comments

[Heather]

I adore Lisbon and Portugal! I've been there twice in the last two years and I'll go again. Sintra is amazing and I want to go back there too to explore some of the other sites. I have the exact same photo as the one of you waving your arms at the palacio. Glad you are enjoying it there.

[Melly]

I am so enjoying your discovery of Lisbon and its surroundings. Next trip, please add to your list a visit to Guimarães, the cradle city. You will be enchanted.

[Marilyn]

So beautiful!

[Diogenes]

What a remarkable place! It looks like it was made to impress from a distance with the color and scale.