The National Palace. Sintra, Portugal

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When you say you are going to visit the town of Sintra, Portugal, you will receive a lot of recommendations of things to see and do. Pena Palace and the Moorish Castle are high on everyone’s list. To me, there is one ‘must see” place - The National Palace.

 

 





The roots of the Sintra National Palace date back to the Moorish era (800-1100 CE), when it served as one of two castles in the town. Its modern formation began in the early 15th century, under the rule of King João I (1357-1433). In 1415 he began construction on a palace that included 26 rooms. The National Palace became the second home for the royal family, when they wanted to escape the heat of Lisbon. 

 






The palace includes some amazing halls, including the Grand Hall, called the Hall of Swans. This hall was used for banquets, concerts, and public receptions. The decorations are tied to Henry IV of England, who was the brother of João’s wife, Philippa of Lancaster.

 

 





Other great halls include the Magpie Room, supposedly named in response to the “gossiping nature” of the ladies of the court, and the Coat of Arms room, which was added in the 16th century.

 









 

 

When you visit, there is an option to tour through the apartments of Queen Maria Pia (1847-1911), wife of King Luis I (1838-1889). You can see the rooms and furniture that the royal family used at the end of their reign.

 









The palace served as the second home to Portugal’s King and Queen from the 1400’s until the formation of the republic in 1910. At that time it was turned over to the national government. Today, it is a UNESCO Heritage site.

 




Whichever tour you take, it will finish in my favorite room in the palace, the kitchen. This space has been designed as a large open floor. Along one wall is a large shelf, with space underneath to build fires. Here “stove-top” dishes could be created, and large cast iron pots would serve as ovens. The open floor provided ample space for roasting stations, where meat could be placed over and open flame to be cooked. All of this space sits under two towering chimneys that collect all of the smoke generated, funneling it up and out.

 

 

 

 







Sintra’s National Palace doesn’t have the over the top opulence of Versailles. But it is clear that this was the “home of important people” and a place where “important things” happened.


Nuts and Bolts


  • The National Palace is open every day from 9:30 AM - 6:30 PM.
  • The are several options for for tickets. The Essential Tour lets you walk through all of the official rooms and halls. The Full Tour adds the Maria Pia apartments. The prices are Adults €13 (Ess) €35 (full)/ Youth €10 and €20/ seniors €10 and €25.
Location: Largo Rainha Dona Amélia, 2710-616 Sintra, Portugal

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