最後更新／Last Updated：2023-10-29
During my stay at the guesthouse, the house owner would always ask me whenever he saw me, "Are you planning to visit Sintra today?" or "Have you just returned from Sintra?" If the answer was no, he would passionately talk about the beauty of Sintra. Consequently, inspired by his enthusiasm, I set off.
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◦ Sintra
Upon arriving in Sintra, located in the suburbs of Lisbon, I realized that his praise was not an exaggeration. This town, which has been listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, is a mountain town covered with trees. Thanks to its cool climate, Sintra became the summer retreat for the Portuguese royal family, which led to the construction of numerous palaces, mansions, and castles.
The Pena Palace and the Castle of the Moors left the most profound impressions on me.
◦ Palácio Nacional de Pena
The Pena Palace, heralded as one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal, was built in the 19th century and is a castle located atop the hills of Sintra. Its exterior is vibrant and whimsical, creating a striking contrast with the Castle of the Moors.
The uniqueness of this palace lies in its fundamental differences from other European palaces. Apart from its bold use of color and discordant materials and textures, the architectural style incorporates a variety of elements, including Renaissance, Gothic, Moorish, and Manueline styles.
◦ Castelo dos Mouros
At the Castle of the Moors, all that remains are the dilapidated ruins, which contribute to its desolate atmosphere in contrast to other castles. Situated halfway up the mountain, this castle offers an excellent vantage point overlooking the entire town. Just standing here, images of its glory days and the generational decline come to mind.
Sintra
Departing from Lisbon, take the Portuguese Rail service (CP) from Rossio train station to Sintra, with an approximate journey time of 40 minutes.