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Sintra

Referred to as a glorious Eden by famous Romantic writer George Gordon Lord Byron, Sintra is indisputably a paradise on earth. The town has a mild climate and a magnificent historical center, and was traditionally a popular summer destination for Portuguese nobles. Sintra is located northwest of Lisbon, and it is the capital of the seaside region bearing the same name. This is uncommon, because other cities in the region like Algueirao-Mem Martins, Queluz and Rio de Mouro are much bigger. This charming town has only around 25 000 inhabitants in three parishes. Sintra is a UNESCO World Heritage site, noted for its amazing 19th century architecture and other monuments.

Tourism and trade form the backbone of Sintra's economy. It has a rich cultural heritage, beautiful natural parks and landmarks, warm beaches and amazing historical sites.

Sintra was the main center of Romantic architecture in 19th century Europe and influenced architectural trends throughout the continent thereafter. Romantic architecture involves a fascinating blend of Moorish, Renaissance and Gothic designs, as well as a combination of native and foreign tree species in parks and gardens. This blend of designs is an aspect of Romanticist dogma. All these features incorporated in the landscape and architecture of Sintra led to its establishment as a World Heritage site. UNESCO even opened a special category for Sintra, that of Cultural Landscape. A remarkable historic attraction here is Quinta da Regaleira, the 19th century residence of wealthy entrepreneur Carvalho Monteiro, a.k.a. Moneybags. He was an astute businessman with an artistic sense, which makes itself obvious when one gazes upon the design of his estate. He commissioned famous architect Luigi Manini to blend a variety of styles, among which Renaissance, Gothic and neo-Manueline, a style known as such because it initially developed under the rule of King Manuel I. The bottom of the garden well is reached through a spiral staircase. It is almost 30 metres below the ground. A tunnel from the well will take you above ground to a splendid artificial lake.

Sintra was settled back in antiquity. It was controlled by Moors until the 12th century, when King Afonso Henriques of Portugal captured the territory. The Castelo dos Mouros or Moorish castle has been preserved since that time. It dates back to the 8th century, when the Moors first invaded Sintra. Afonso Henriques had a Christian chapel built there. The Moorish castle was renovated in the 19th century. An important feature of the castle is its majestic Royal Tower. It is within walking distance of the old town of Sintra. Afonso Henriques also built the Palacio da Vila, a royal residence, on the foundations of an Arab castle. Today it is considered the prime attraction of the town. Other important palaces are Pena, Seteais and Monserrate. Among the wonderful beaches close to Sintra are Praia da Adraga, das Macas and Praia Grande. The last of these is very big and popular with surfers. It is a frequent venue of water sports championships. The beach also has one of the biggest saltwater pools in Europe. At the south end of the beach you will find dinosaur footsteps and fossils that have been preserved.

A beautiful natural landmark is the Sintra-Cascais Nature Park, a site of great cultural and biological interest. It offers fascinating flora and landscapes and incorporates highlands, hills, Sintra's old town, Pena Palace and the Moorish castle. The park spreads over 14 583 hectares and its trails are conveniently marked. It also covers a coastal area, favoured by divers and surfers.

The greater region of Sintra has a total of 20 parishes, of which the more notable are Algueirao - Mem Martins, Massama and Queluz. Queluz is best-known for the majestic Palacio de Queluz, a famous monument.