sexta-feira, 10 de fevereiro de 2012

What you need to know about... SINTRA

Sintra is the most romantic place in Portugal. A trip to Sintra is a step back in time inside a world of magic and romance. The old Moorish city was the summer residence of the Portuguese kings for more than 600 years. Today, Sintra is a popular tourist spot due to your historical sights:

  

The landmark of Sintra is the Palácio Nacional de Sintra with its colossal white twin chimneys, which rise above the huge palace kitchen, and are observable from quite a distance.  This ancient palace was built for the Portuguese Court as a summer residence through numerous kingdoms. It is one of the most significant examples of noble architecture in Portugal and for that reason is classified as a National Monument. It is considered the ex-libris of Sintra for its historic importance.


Palácio da Pena is the most absolute and extraordinary example of Portuguese architecture in the Romantic period.  It is a national monument and constitutes one of the major expressions of 19th century Romanticism in the world. The palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal. The Palácio Nacional da Pena remembers to a fairy tale castle. The exterior of the castle represents a dreamy vision of the nature.

Mountains of Sintra are excellent for hiking and climbing. It is visited by many tourists every year. Almost all areas are covered with intense tropical forest and you will find many ancient ruins and stunning view from the top (you can discover some places forgotten!).
 


The impressive Castelo dos Mouros was built on the site of an Arab fortress, by the Moors, in the 8th century.  This castle was abandoned by its defenders against the approaching army of D. Afonso Henriques (the first king of Portugal). This charmig ruined castle has a incredible scenic effect  and from the towers and walls has a spectacular view over the village and the mountains.





Built in the romantic ideal and classified as World Heritage by UNESCO, the Quinta da Regaleira is a special place to visit. This attractive compilation of constructions which have been built in the middle of the dense forest is the result of the achieving of the fantasy. The Quinta da Regaleira is a place to be felt. It is not sufficient to tell its story, its mysteries. It must be seen ,experienced and admired.
 


There are several art museums in the area: Museu Arqueológico (It contains the most complete and important collection of latin epigraphy in Portugal) ; Museu Regional (it contains collections of archaeological, ethnology and religious art); Sintra Museu de Arte Moderna (it contains a permanent collection of international modern and contemporary art, the Berardo collection); Museu do Brinquedo (it contains a private collection of toys gathered during more than a 50 years).

Sintra - Museu de Arte Moderna

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