Sintra National Palace, Medieval royal palace in central Sintra, Portugal
Sintra National Palace is a royal residence in central Sintra featuring layered architectural styles from different periods. Two massive conical chimneys rise from its kitchens, and whitewashed walls frame a central courtyard called Ala Joanina.
The palace began as a royal home in the early 1400s and remained continuously occupied by Portuguese monarchs until the late 1800s. This makes it the longest-inhabited royal residence in the country's history.
The palace displays multiple architectural influences that visitors encounter while moving through its rooms. Moorish, Gothic, and Manueline elements blend with traditional Portuguese azulejo tiles to create a rich visual experience.
Plan to spend several hours exploring the various rooms and sections throughout the palace. It sits within walking distance of Sintra's town center, making it convenient to visit as part of a day trip to the area.
One chamber displays a ceiling decorated with 27 gold-rimmed swans painted during a medieval king's reign to mark important royal marriages. These swans catch visitors by surprise since they occupy an entire overhead surface yet remain easy to miss when moving through.
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