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Palace · Sintra, Lisboa
Palácio Nacional de Sintra
Royal palace of medieval origin in the center of the village, with two large white conical chimneys. It was used by the royal family from the 15th to the 19th century and houses rooms with Mudéjar tiles and painted ceilings.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Palácio Nacional de Sintra
The Palácio Nacional de Sintra, also called Palácio da Vila, is in the historic center. There was already a residence of the Muslim rulers there, and after the Christian conquest the building became a royal palace. Most of what can be seen was built during the reigns of D. João I in the 15th century and D. Manuel I in the early 16th century.
The two white conical chimneys, about 33 meters high, belong to the kitchen and are the village's best-known image. Inside, the palace has one of the largest collections of Mudéjar tiles in Europe.
Among the best-known rooms are the Sala dos Cisnes, with its ceiling painted with swans, the Sala das Pegas, with 136 painted pegas holding the phrase of King D. João I, and the Sala dos Brasões, with a dome decorated with the coats of arms of Portuguese noble families.
The palace was used by the royal family until the end of the monarchy in 1910. It is part of the Paisagem Cultural de Sintra, a World Heritage Site since 1995.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About one to one and a half hours.
Best time
Right at opening or late in the afternoon, when the groups that go up to the Pena have already left the center. Check opening times before you go.
How to get there
It is located at Largo Rainha D. Amélia, in the center of Sintra, about a 10-minute walk from the train station.
Tip
Combine it with a morning at the Pena: the village palace usually has shorter queues in the afternoon. Don't miss the ceiling of the Sala dos Brasões.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Palácio Nacional de Sintra
What are the chimneys of the Palácio Nacional de Sintra?
They are the kitchen chimneys, conical and white, about 33 meters tall, a symbol of the town.
Which rooms should you not miss?
The Sala dos Cisnes, the Sala das Pegas and the Sala dos Brasões.
Is the palace far from the station?
No, it's in the center, about a 10-minute walk from Sintra station.