The Discover Portugal blog contains affiliate links and is an Amazon Services LLC Associates Program member. If you make a purchase using one of these links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. See the Disclaimer for more information.
Sintra National Palace: Discover the beautiful palace close to Lisbon
Sintra is a top destination for a one-day trip from Lisbon, and there is so much to see! Sintra National Palace is one of those highlights, and it’s a must for history lovers. But kids will love the ceilings in the Swan Room and the Magpie Room, and anyone who’s interested in the stunning palace interiors in Sintra should take a peek inside!
Truth be told, this Sintra palace wasn’t the first I visited, but as a Lisbon local, I often visit Sintra on a day trip. I noticed it’s much quieter here than the famous Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira, but it’s just as beautiful!
Sintra National Palace is the oldest palace in Portugal, and inside you will discover mesmerising rooms, historical furniture, and tiled courtyards. And, of course, the famous kitchen with the two chimneys the palace in Sintra is known for.
Palácio Nacional de Sintra is a true icon and a must-see location on your holiday in Portugal. In this post, I’ll show you what to expect inside, how to make the most of your visit, and why it deserves a spot on your Lisbon day trip itinerary.
A visit will take around 1 to 2 hours, and it’s conveniently located in the city centre. The perfect spot before you head back to Lisbon!
An overview of what to expect
What is Sintra National Palace?
Sintra National Palace, or Palácio Nacional de Sintra, is the town palace in the centre of Sintra. The National Palace of Sintra is the oldest in Portugal, with a history spanning over 1,000 years. Besides, the building is the best-preserved medieval royal residence.
Architectural highlights from the construction are from the 15th to the late 19th century, and you can visit many rooms inside the Sintra Palace. The Portuguese kings added new structures to the royal palace throughout the following centuries. The oldest part of the building is believed to have been built in the Moorish times in the 10th or 11th century.
The Palácio Nacional de Sintra is a true icon, thanks to the two large chimneys above the royal kitchen. As soon as you arrive in town, you can easily recognise it! But there is much more to see in the town palace, or Palácio da Vila in Portuguese. And the Sintra National Palace is easy to reach from the train station.
If you’re a history enthusiast who appreciates stunning architecture, you’ll love visiting the Palácio Nacional de Sintra. The building has been a Portuguese National Monument since 1910. It is part of Sintra’s Cultural Landscape, Parques de Sintra and the Network of European Royal Residences.
What to see at Sintra National Palace?
Before walking into the Sintra National Palace, it’s well worth taking a look at the structure from the outside. The arcades are beautiful to see, and from the entrance, you have a great view of Sintra town and the Moorish Castle, Castelo dos Mouros, up on the hill.
Inside, you’ll discover several rooms outlined below. On top, you will see the Guard Room, the Camarim, the Arab Room, the Galley Room, the Chapel, and the Room of the Canopy Bed. Outside, you can see the colourful central courtyard, known as Ala Joanina, and the gardens.
Parts of the structure were added in the Middle Ages, under Moorish rule, and construction continued until the 19th century. The palace continued to be inhabited by Portuguese monarchs and contained beautiful tiles and rich decorations.
The entrance
Once inside, you’ll walk up the 16th-century spiral staircase, one of the first monumental staircases in Portugal. You arrive at the Entrance Hall, which connects the two royal palaces. The one on the left was built during the reign of King João I (early 15th century), and the one on the right is from the reign of King Manuel I (early 16th century).
The current palace contains a roof, but until the 16th century, the terrace was uncovered.
The Swan Room
From there, you see the first mesmerising room of Sintra National Palace: the Swan Room, or Sala dos Cisnes! It was a place for banquets and music, and the room was named after the swans on the ceiling.
It was built in the time of King João I and Philippa of Lancaster, and the panels and chandeliers are genuinely stunning! From Sala dos Cisnes, you can enter the Audience Patio.
The Magpie Room
Less sparkly but just as beautiful is the Magpie Room or Sala das Pegas. Like the Swan Room, the Magpie Chamber is named after the magpies painted on the ceiling. It’s believed to be the oldest in the National Palace of Sintra, and it was also used for banquets.
In total, you can admire 136 magpies on the ceiling.
The Golden Room of Palácio Nacional de Sintra
The Golden Room is the third room in the Palacio Nacional de Sintra. People of higher social status would be invited here, and the king would sleep there. Unfortunately, the decoration has been lost, but, in the 15th and 16th centuries, this room was adorned with gold.
Later, in the 19th century, it was used as a dining room.
Sala dos Brasões, the Coat of Arms Room
After entering several chambers, the Camarim and the wardrobe, you enter one of the most beautiful areas of the Sintra National Palace. Sala dos Brasões, or the Heraldic Hall, will take your breath away! Each side in this room measures 12 meters.
The octagonal dome was built between 1517 and 1518, and the Arms Room contains the coats of arms of the Portuguese Royal Family and the Portuguese nobility. The interior of the Coat of Arms Room features 72 panels in total, with the royal palace at its centre.
Chamber of Afonso VI
The oldest part of Sintra National Palace is the Chamber of Afonso VI. In the 13th century, this area underwent reconstruction during the reign of King Dinis and Queen Isabel of Aragon. In the 17th century, it became the prison of King Afonso VI!
Three hundred guards would guard the king, who lived in complete isolation for nine years. In this part of the Palace Nacional de Sintra, you can discover the oldest surviving ceramic flooring, dating from the early palace around 1430-1440. The azulejo tile panels on the walls contain stories of 18th-century gallantry.
The Kitchen
After seeing the chimneys outside of Palacio Nacional de Sintra, you might be curious to know what the kitchen of Sintra National Palace looks like. King João I built it, and all the food prepared here had to serve the entire palace. At that time, there were about several hundred mouths to feed!
The hunting grounds around Palácio Nacional de Sintra were very popular, and huge banquets would take place from time to time. The two iconic chimneys are a whopping 33 meters tall and really became the face of Sintra.
The Manueline Hall and Queen Maria Pia’s Chambers
From the kitchen, you enter the Manueline Hall, built under King Manuel I. Later, this was divided into several apartments, but it’s been restored to its former glory. From here, you can enter Queen Maria Pia’s Chambers.
The apartments have a bedroom, a dressing room, a sitting room, and a beautiful bathroom with coloured windows.
Tickets to Sintra National Palace
Sintra National Palace is a popular place to visit. Especially during the high season, buying your tickets online before visiting Sintra Palace is recommended, allowing you to skip the line.
Tickets cost €13.00 per person. Children under six years old can enter for free. Do you travel with kids between the ages of 6 and 17? Then, entering the Sintra National Palace costs €10.00.
When you book with Get Your Guide, your entrance fee includes a complimentary audio tour. You can download an app with all the information to listen to during your visit. If you want to visit the gardens only, there is no charge.
- Adult €13.00
- Under 6 Free
- Youths between 6-17 €10.00
- 65+ €10.00
- Family (2 Adults 18-64 + 2 Youths 6-17) €35.00
- Audioguide €1.09
Opening hours of Sintra National Palace
The Palácio Nacional de Sintra and its gardens open at 9:30 AM and close at 6:30 PM. The last entrance sales and last admission are at 6 PM. The ticket office is closed from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. There is an automatic ticket vending machine onsite, or you can buy tickets online here.
How to get to Sintra National Palace from Lisbon?
Sintra is very easy to reach from the Portuguese capital. Take a train at Oriente Station or Rossio Station, and within 40 minutes, you’ll reach Sintra Station. From the station, it’s a short walk to Sintra National Palace. The landmark is located at Largo Rainha, right in the center of the town. Click here for more information about public transport. If you decide to take an Uber or Bolt, expect to pay between € 18,00 and € 40,00.
A guided tour is great, especially when you’re short on time or wish to see multiple palaces in a day. Excursions leave the capital daily, and most tours combine a visit to Pena Palace, Cabo da Roca, and Cascais. It will be a full day full of stunning palaces and landscapes! Be sure to book in time, as the Sintra tours are popular and book out quickly.
Other things to do nearby
Sintra is one of the most popular day trips from the Portuguese capital, and one reason is the sheer number of places to visit! Other highlights are Palácio da Pena, Quinta da Regaleira and the Moorish Castle. And don’t forget to visit Sintra’s historic town centre, which is full of quaint streets and restaurants.
During the summer months, Sintra can get very busy. Thankfully, there are some hidden gems, too! My personal favourites are Biester Palace, Park and Palace of Monserrate, and the Capuchos Convent. Besides the many palaces, you can enjoy coastal hikes around Praia da Ursa or discover seaside towns like Azenhas do Mar.
Hotels in Sintra
Many people visit Sintra for a day, but if you have the opportunity, stay for a night or two! There is SO much to see in and around Sintra, and the historic centre is a fantastic base to explore! Venture out to Sintra beaches like Praia da Adraga and Praia das Maçãs.
Or make trips to nearby towns like Mafra and Cascais. Discover all hotels in Sintra on the map below, or check out some of my favourite places to stay.
Some favourite hotels in Sintra are:
FAQ
What is the oldest palace in Portugal?
The history of Sintra Palace dates back over 1,000 years, making it the oldest palace in Portugal.
How much time do you need at the Sintra National Palace?
A minimum of an hour is needed to visit Sintra National Palace. To truly appreciate the furniture, rooms like the Magpie Room, and the tile panels, two hours are required.
Is the National Palace of Sintra worth it?
Absolutely! It is one of the most beautiful palaces in Sintra and a famous construction in the centre. You get to visit many rooms, admire azulejo tiles, and have beautiful views over Sintra.
Is Pena Palace the same as the National Palace?
No, the Palácio Nacional da Pena is situated on the highest point of Sintra, overlooking the surrounding mountains. Palácio Nacional de Sintra is located in the historical centre itself. Both, however, have a royal history.
Conclusion
If you love history, visiting Sintra Palace is well worth it! Even if you have little interest in the royal past, the building is stunning! Discover the Chapel, Coat of Arms Room with unique tiles, and the central courtyard. You can combine a visit with exploring the Moorish Castle, its historic walls, the Palace of Pena, or Quinta da Regaleira.
More things to do in Sintra
- How to get to Palácio da Pena in Sintra
- Quinta da Regaleira in Sintra, a guide to visit this magical UNESCO site
- Complete Guide to Park and Palace of Monserrate Sintra
- Sintra day trips from Lisbon; discover the best excursions
- The hidden gem in Sintra; Discover the ancient Convent of the Capuchos
- Beautiful Cabo da Roca Portugal; most westernmost point of Europe
- Biester Palace, a beautiful hidden gem in Sintra
- Sintra National Palace: Discover the beautiful palace close to Lisbon
- Lisbon Sintra by train Travel Guide + 8 top sights to visit
- Discover the picturesque coastal town Azenhas do Mar near Sintra
- Visit the beautiful Castle of the Moors (Castelo dos Mouros) in Sintra
- 8 irresistible beaches in Sintra to visit during your holiday
- How to get to stunning Praia da Ursa
- Beautiful Queluz National Palace, a hidden gem in Sintra
Pin to read later!
