The cultural landscape harmonizes indigenous flora with refined cultivation and landscaping by man. The landscape is susceptible to neglect and misuse.

Sintra became the first European center of Romantic architecture in the 19th century when Ferdinand II converted a ruined monastery into a castle. He used a fusion of Moorish, Gothic, Renaissance and Egyptian architectural styles to bring out a beautiful building that blend well with the parks surrounding it.

The area surrounding the castle was landscaped and planted with many exotic plants. There were also fine dwellings along the lines surrounding the castle, creating a combination of parks and gardens that influenced the Romantic architectural style in Portugal and beyond.

The cultural landscape harmonizes indigenous flora with refined cultivation and landscaping by man. The landscape is susceptible to neglect and misuse. It therefore calls for daily care and this is one of the reason UNESCO listed the property in its heritage sites to ensure that proper care will continue to be given to the cultural landscape.

The landscape stands out from its relatively flat surrounding. Its highest point is the Crux Alta. It features some slight ecological variations as follows;

  • The pinewood Area
  • The Natural Forest with various species such as chestnut, oak and pine
  • The area colonized by forest tree species and olives

Points of Interest

  • The Parque de Pena – This Park is nestled between the ‘Sacred Mountains’ of Varro and Columela and the Ptolemy’s ‘Mountain of the Moon. It was developed by Ferdinand II in 1840
  • Convento dos Capuchos – This is a monastic ensemble that is located on the Sintra cultural Landscape.  The complex also features the King’s court.
  • Tapada do Mocha and the Moorish Castle
  • The Garden of the Camellias
  • The English Garden
  • The Royal Palace
  • The Pena Palace
  • The Palace of
  • The Moorish Castle
  • The Palace of Seteals
  • The Quinta de Regaleira
  • The Town Hall
  • The Trinity Convent of the Arrabalde
  • The churches of Maria, São Martinho, São Miguel, the former São Pedro de Canaferrim parish church inside the Moorish Castle, and the Church of Nossa Senhora da Misericórdia

This is one of the cheapest destinations in Europe. You would have a lot of fun visiting this destination with family.