Audio GuideNational Palace of Sintra
Palácio Nacional de Sintra
11th century Moorish palace with notable tile collection plus ornate courtyards & rooms.
Museum
Sintra, Portugal
Welcome to the Palácio Nacional de Sintra, a historic gem first established in the tenth century. Over the centuries, the palace evolved through a blend of Gothic, Manueline, Moorish, and Mudéjar styles. Each period left its mark in ornate courtyards, intricately tiled rooms, and the signature twin chimneys that have become a symbol of this royal residence.
Portuguese kings, from Dinis to João the First, Manuel the First, and João the Third, transformed the palace using their personal tastes and influences. The Royal Chapel, with its beautiful tiled floor and wooden lattice ceiling, and rooms such as the Swan Room and the Magpie Room, tell a tale of royal celebrations, courtly myths, and diplomatic intrigue. These spaces have witnessed treaties, pivotal decisions, and the merging of Christian and Islamic artistic heritage.
Today, the palace stands as both a national monument and a museum. Careful restoration efforts, led by dedicated architects over the years, ensure that visitors can admire its rich past. Situated in the heart of Sintra’s cultural landscape—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—the palace invites everyone to experience the living history of Portugal through its art, stories, and captivating atmosphere.
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