Area Sections
Sintra
Sights
Getting Around
Other Definitions
sintra (enc)
|
Sintra Sintra is a small town that looks straight out of a farie tale. Made famous by Lord Byron, Sintra was once the royal town of Portugal, and many castles and palaces can be found in its vicinity. One of them is Pena Castle, perched on a steep hill and straight out of Disney Land. It is a yellow heap of small domes and turrets filled with a wide array of decorative arts. The most notable palace is the Sintra National Palace, whose white twin towers are the most distinctive landmark in Sinta. It is a combination of Moorish, Gothic and Manuelin styles. Inside is a beautiful collection of ancient and rare tiles and murals. The Castelo dos Mouros, unlike the two palaces , is a ruin. Even so it should be regarded as a must-get-off stop when the bus arrives there on its way to Pena. The old battlements stretch for some way along a ridge and give magnificent views of the town, Pena Palace and the area generally. Sintra also has a fine collection of international contemporary art in the Sintra Museu de Arte Moderna. Other museums include the Toy Museum, the International Sculpture Centre, with Portugese sculpture, and the São Miguel de Odrinhas Museum and Archaeological Site. In fact, the whole town looks a bit like a museum, filled with the most amazing buildings. A good way to get to Sintra is by taking the train from Lisbon. You will get a good view of the Águas Livres Aquaduct (built in the 18th century, and still in use) and arrive in the magnificent, cathedral-like station. From there, it’s only a short walk into the old town with its many shops and restaurants.
|
 |