Inside Sintra National Palace: History, Architecture & Travel Tips

Welcome to Sintra National Palace—a destination where history, elegance, and Moorish charm converge. Nestled in the heart of the picturesque town of Sintra, just a short drive from Lisbon, this magnificent palace is Portugal’s best-preserved medieval royal residence and a must-visit for history lovers and cultural travelers alike.
 

As your guide, I’ll take you through the palace’s fascinating past, grand halls, exquisite azulejos (tiles), and offer you insider tips to make the most of your visit. Let’s explore the iconic palace that has hosted kings, queens, and countless secrets for over 800 years.

📍 Where Is Sintra National Palace?

The palace is located in Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its lush hills, Romantic architecture, and fairy-tale palaces.

🚗 Distance from Lisbon: 30 km (about 40 minutes by car)

🚆 From Lisbon by train: 45 minutes from Rossio Station to Sintra Station, then a 10-minute walk

📍 Address: Largo Rainha Dona Amélia, 2710-616 Sintra, Portugal

🕰 A Brief History of Sintra National Palace

The Sintra National Palace, also called Palácio Nacional de Sintra or Palácio da Vila, dates back to the Moorish occupation of the Iberian Peninsula.

Key Historical Highlights:

Moorish origins (8th–12th century): The site originally housed a Moorish palace.

13th century: Portuguese King Afonso III took over and began transforming it into a royal residence.

14th–16th centuries: Kings like João I and Manuel I expanded and embellished the palace, adding Gothic, Manueline, and Mudéjar styles.

19th century: Still used as a summer residence by the royal family.

The palace remained continuously inhabited by Portuguese monarchs for nearly 700 years, making it the most enduring of all royal palaces in Portugal.

🧱 Architecture: A Fusion of Cultures

Sintra National Palace is a visual testament to Portugal’s diverse cultural history. Its architecture blends Gothic, Moorish, and Manueline styles, wrapped in an unmistakably Portuguese identity.

Iconic Features:

Twin conical chimneys: These 33-meter-high kitchen chimneys define the Sintra skyline.

Whitewashed exterior with azulejos: Delicate blue-and-white tiles dominate the interiors.

Courtyards and patios: Influenced by Islamic and Mediterranean traditions.

Ornate ceilings and painted woodwork: Depicting swans, magpies, stags, and other courtly motifs.

Every hall and corridor reflects both functionality and royal flair.

🎨 Highlights Inside Sintra National Palace

1. Sala dos Cisnes (Swan Room)

Located in the Manueline wing, this ballroom features a ceiling painted with 27 swans, each representing a noble house.

Legend: It was a gift to Princess Isabel of Aragon when she married King João I’s son.

2. Sala das Pegas (Magpie Room)

One of the quirkiest rooms! The ceiling is painted with 136 magpies, each holding a banner that reads “Por Bem” ("For Good").

Story: A humorous royal response to court gossip over a king caught kissing a lady-in-waiting.

3. Palace Kitchens

Step beneath the towering twin chimneys and explore the largest kitchens in medieval Portugal. Look out for massive copper pots once used to prepare royal feasts.

4. Sala dos Brasões (Coat of Arms Room)

The palace’s most majestic room, with a grand wooden dome displaying 72 noble family coats of arms and the royal arms of Portugal.

5. Arab Room

Remnants of the original Moorish structure are visible in the Arab Room’s horseshoe arches and intricate geometric tilework.

6. Chapel of São Miguel

A tranquil space for royal prayers, adorned with 15th-century azulejos, gilded altarpieces, and delicate wood carvings.

📷 Photo Spots & Instagram Tips

Snap the twin chimneys from outside in the town square.

Capture the tile mosaics inside the rooms with natural light.

From upstairs windows, get a panoramic view of Sintra’s hills and colorful villas.

Pro tip: Arrive early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds in your shots.

🕐 Opening Hours & Ticket Info

🕘 Opening Hours:

Daily from 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM (last entry: 6 PM)

Closed: January 1st and December 25th

🎟 Ticket Prices:

Adults: €10.00

Youths (6–17): €8.50

Seniors (65+): €8.50

Family pass available

💡 Combo tickets available with Pena Palace or other Sintra attractions for savings!

🗺️ Getting Around Sintra

If you’re visiting Sintra for the day:

Sintra National Palace is walkable from the train station.

To visit Pena Palace or the Moorish Castle, take bus 434.

Wear comfortable shoes—the town is hilly and cobbled.

🛍 Souvenirs to Take Home

Stop by the Palace Gift Shop or local artisans nearby.

What to buy:

Hand-painted azulejos

Miniature chimneys

Books on Portuguese royalty

Local cherry liqueur (ginjinha)

🍽 Where to Eat Nearby

Sintra offers plenty of charming cafes and traditional restaurants.

Recommended Spots:

Tascantiga – Tapas and local wine in a rustic setting

Cantinho Gourmet – Cozy bistro with hearty Portuguese dishes

Piriquita Bakery – Try the Travesseiros (almond pastries) and Queijadas de Sintra

📅 Best Time to Visit

Spring (April–June): Mild weather and blooming gardens

Autumn (September–October): Fewer tourists, golden landscapes

Early morning on weekdays: Best for avoiding crowds

Avoid peak tourist hours (11 AM – 3 PM), especially in summer.

🛌 Where to Stay in Sintra

If you’re staying overnight, Sintra offers a variety of accommodation options:

Tivoli Palácio de Seteais – A luxury hotel inside a former neoclassical palace

Lawrence’s Hotel – One of the oldest hotels on the Iberian Peninsula

Moon Hill Hostel – Budget-friendly and centrally located

🧭 Nearby Attractions in Sintra

Pair your visit to the National Palace with other Sintra gems:

Pena Palace – A colorful, Romanticist icon perched on the mountain

Moorish Castle – 8th-century walls with stunning views

Quinta da Regaleira – Mystical gardens, tunnels, and the famous Initiation Well

Monserrate Palace – Exotic, botanically rich retreat

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Accessibility & Tips

Wheelchair access: Limited in some older rooms and staircases

Strollers: May be difficult on uneven floors

Photography: Allowed without flash

Restrooms & cafes: Available on-site

💬 What Travelers Say

“A palace that tells a thousand stories—each room is like a page from a fairy tale.”
— Sophia, Italy

“The tiles, the ceilings, the chimneys… Sintra National Palace is a cultural gem.”
— Liam, Ireland

“It’s not just a palace—it’s a window into Portugal’s royal soul.”
— Marija, Croatia

🌟 Final Thoughts: Why Visit Sintra National Palace?

Sintra National Palace is not just a building; it’s an experience. With each room, you uncover centuries of royal history, tales of intrigue, and artistic brilliance. Its blend of Moorish elegance, Gothic grandeur, and Portuguese warmth makes it truly one-of-a-kind.

Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or a curious traveler looking to explore Portugal's royal roots, Sintra National Palace is an essential stop on your journey.