The last place we visited on our day trip to Sintra was the National Palace of Sintra, also known as the Town Palace. It may not have the bright colors of Pena Palace or the views of the Moorish Castle, but it is the best preserved medieval royal residence in Portugal.
Note: It can be confusing that there are two national palaces in Sintra. The National Palace of Pena (also just referred to as Pena Palace) is the colorful palace on top of one of the Sintra hills. This post covers the National Palace of Sintra (also known as the Town Palace or Palácio Nacional De Sintra) which is white and located in the Sintra historic center.
Monarchs made the National Palace of Sintra their home from the 15th to the 19th century, mainly in the summer months to escape Lisbon’s heat, making it the most lived in palace in Portugal. The history of the National Palace of Sintra goes all the way back to at least the 10th century. A residential palace was built on this site by the Moors who at the time ruled the region. In 1147, Dom Afonso Henriques captured Sintra from the Moors and occupied the palace. The royal family continued to use the palace until 1880. In 1910, after the proclamation of the republic, the palace became a national monument.
Town Palace Architecture
Most of the National Palace dates back to 13th to 16th centuries. Kings Dinis, João I and Manuel I sponsored construction campaigns that have given the palace its present-day appearance. You will see a mixture of Gothic, Manueline and Moorish architectural styles in the palace.
You can recognize the Sintra National Palace by the two large eye-catching white cones on top of the roof. We could easily spot the National Palace of Sintra from the top of the hill, you can’t miss the cones! These are actually huge chimneys that were built in the 14th to keep the kitchen smoke free. The chimneys are visible for miles and have become the symbol of Sintra.
While the palace’s exterior is known for the two monumental chimneys, the interior design is impressive as well. The walls inside the National Palace are lined with Europe’s largest set of Mudejar tiles still in place today. (If you’re curious, read more about Portuguese tiles and how to make your own.) You will also see intricate woodwork and priceless antiques.
National Palace of Sintra Highlights
In my opinion, the National Palace of Sintra interior is what makes it special. It looks like a royal palace! You will see some elaborate ceilings, impressive tile work, and beautiful antiques. I wanted to point out my favorite rooms, some even had a theme!
The National Palace of Sintra interior is impressive and definitely worth a visit!
Swan Hall
This room gets its name from the swans on the ceiling. The Swan Room was the original Grand Hall of the Palace during the time of Jaoa I and was built the beginning of the 15th century. It had to be restored after the 1755 earthquake. Important functions would have been held in this room.
One of the themed rooms. The swans on the ceiling must have seen some pretty impressive banquets.
The Magpie Room
Important dignitaries and ambassadors were received in the palace in the Magpie room. The room gets its name for the 136 magpies, each one holding a rose and a scroll with the words ‘Por bem,’ painted on the ceiling.
Exactly why there are magpies painted on the ceiling is debated. According to one story, the room was decorated with magpies since the king thought the women at the court chattered like magpies. Another story claims King Joao made gave one of the ladies-in-waiting a rose behind the back of his wife, Queen Philippa. A magpie snatched the rose and the king, who was caught red-handed, explained himself with the words ‘Por bem’ (which means “for the good”) and commissioned a painting of a magpie for each of the 136 ladies-in-waiting.
One magpie for each lady-in-waiting?
King Sebastian’s Bedchamber
This room used to be called the Gold Chamber at the beginning of the 15th century, but it no longer has the gold decorations. It was used as the bedchamber of King Sebastian at the end of the 16th century. The tile walls with the raised vines are quite unique.
The details on the bed and the walls were impressive.
Chinese Room
The Chinese Room was part of the old palace of King Dinis and used as the bedchamber for Joao I until he finished the construction work in the beginning of the 15th century. The 18th-century ivory Chinese Pagoda now on display gives the room its name.
Blazons Hall
This room is situated where the old Casa da Meca was built during the time of Manuel I (1495-1521). I was impressed with the woodwork on the hexagonal ceiling and the tile work on the walls that depict hunting scenes. The walls were actually added in the 18th century.
Another impressive ceiling!
I wasn’t expecting to find a Chinese pagoda inside the Sintra National Palace!
Palatine Chapel
King Dinis was the first king to try to improve the palace in the 13th-14th century and the main surviving room from this time is the Chapel. It is a small Gothic chapel with a Moorish-styled ceiling. This ceiling and the tiled floors and the wooden ceiling are some of the oldest examples of Moorish craftsmanship in Portugal.
Grotto of the Baths
No summer house would be complete without a little outdoor space or “casa de fresco”. I just loved the tile work in this area. The walls have panels that depict fountains and gardens. The ceiling features art showing the creation of the world along with other mythological themes. You can also see tiny openings in the walls that were for the water jets that crisscrossed the room.
The chapel is one of the oldest rooms in the Town Palace.
I loved the tile work through out the National Palace, but this was probably my favorite.
Kitchen
I didn’t realize until I went into the kitchen that the cones on top of the Palace were chimneys! I was interested to see them from underneath. This kitchen was built by King João I and used to prepare food for the royal banquets. Can you imagine the banquets held at the National Palace that would have required such massive chimneys? That must have been some spread! You can also see the original roasting spits and various other cookware on display in the kitchen.
Some of the pots on display in the kitchen.
Logistics for Visiting the National Palace of Sintra
How to Get to the Sintra National Palace
The National Palace of Sintra is located in the historic center of Sintra. On the hop-on hop-off bus it is the closest stop to the train station. You can walk from the train station if you prefer. It’s about a 15 minute walk but it will be uphill. It’s not as steep as the walk up to Pena Palace or the Moorish Castle but it is uphill none the less.
National Palace of Sintra Hours
The Sintra National Palace opening hours do vary by season, but you can expect it to be similar to 9:30 am – 6 pm. Please check the website for the most up to date information and last entry times.
Sintra National Palace Admission
Tickets for the National Palace of Sintra can be purchased online in advance. If you purchase a combined ticket to more than one Sintra site you can save money.
When to Visit the Town Palace
Since the National Palace is the closest of the Sintra tourist attractions to the train station, many people start sightseeing there. If you have some flexibility in how you plan your time in Sintra, you might like to visit this palace later in the day to avoid the crowds. We came in the afternoon and there were not many people around at all.
I would recommend allocating 1 ½ to 2 hours for your visit. Once you are done you can visit one of the restaurants across the street to try Sintra’s famous orange dessert.
Sintra’s orange dessert was a nice treat at the end of our day sightseeing.
Even if you’re not impressed with all the history of the Sintra National Palace, you should visit to see the elaborate interior. Each wall, ceiling, and floor was beautifully decorated with such detail. Have you visited the National Palace of Sintra?
–Anisa
It looks beautiful and reminds me of the Real Alcazar in Seville. Very pretty tile work! #theweeklypostcard
Thank you! I still need to go to Seville.
What an incredible place! I think I could walk around the palace for hours looking at all of the intricacies on the walls and ceilings. Thank you for helping to bring this place to life through your blog!
#TheWeeklyPostcard
Vicky – Thanks for the kind comment. I hope you get to visit the palace.
The National Palace is so beautiful – it looks like something you might see in Disneyland because of it’s bright colors. I definitely want to go back to Portugal again some day.
#TheWeeklyPostcard
Thank you. I want to go back to Portugal too!
The tile sets the palace apart, can you imagine how long it took them to install it? I also like the debate over the magpies whether they were inspried by the chattering ladies or the king who was caught.
Dorothy – yes I really loved the tile work and the details inside the palace. Personally l think its the king who was caught.
That looks such a beautiful place! So ornate and intricate, but so cool-looking too. I bet the orange treat went down well at the end of the day!
Thank you! Yes the palace was beautiful and we did really enjoy the dessert.
Wow, looks really interesting from a historical and architectural perspective! Didn’t realize that there were two national palaces there. #TheWeeklyPostcard
Thanks Jessica. Yes there are so many palaces/castles in Sintra, it can be hard to keep them all straight.
I’ve never visited Portugal but I have a feeling I’d be distracted by the colourful one as I’m a colour addict ahahaha. I love the architecture though, and the details inside?! They’re astounding! I can’t believe how intricate the paintings and décor are!
Lindz – You really need to visit both Pena Palace and the National Palace. I think you would really enjoy them.
What a gorgeous palace. I love the story of why the magpies were painted on the ceiling, that cracked me up. Thanks for introducing me to another great place!
Michelle – Thank you! Yes, I love learning the stories behind the places too.
I thought you spent more than one day in Sintra but I see your visited on a day trip. Wow, you made the most of the day! This is a pretty beautiful palace and I like the swan theme and the tile work. It is incredible the number of palaces and castles that where built in this area (better for us visitors). #TheWeeklyPostcard
Ruth – I wish I would have spent more than one day in Sintra. You are right there is so much to see. We made the most of our day!
I love the story of the chatting magpies, true or not, it’s a great one! #TheWeeklyPostcard
Thanks Annette. Learning these kinds of stories is one of my favorite things about traveling.
Ok, I wasn’t sure if it was worth visiting, especially from the outside, but you’ve convinced me it’s worth a peek! I wondered what those cones were for! #TheWeeklyPostcard
Haha yes I had no idea until I walked into the kitchen!
Of course Sintra has two National Palaces. You can rally see the Moorish influence in the architecture, and I love the Magpie Room.
Yvette – Yes, I loved the Moorish influence, especially in the tile work. I thought the theme rooms were fun!
The cones are such a weird architectural detail but it’s very distinctive, so I guess that works!! The chapel and ceiling details are beautiful!! I love the blue and white room, too. It’s so neat that they have so many different themes throughout the palace!
Thanks Sara. So glad to hear you enjoyed the post and I hope you get to visit it yourself
We visited the same attractions during our day trip in Sintra. And this was actually the first one we visited. You’re right that it’s the interior that really makes this place. It’s such a great place and I loved all the tile work inside here . We also didn’t realize about the chimneys until later. I liked that this was an great location and proximity to all those restaurants and shops.
Mary – Thanks. Glad to hear you enjoyed it too
Love Sintra, I visited twice when I was in Lisbon a few years ago. Easily one of my favourite places and the palace is definitely worth the visit. How about those portuguese tiles, huh! #TheWeeklyPostcard
Thanks David! Glad to hear you agree! And yes I just love the tiles
I regret not visiting The National Palace when I was in Sintra, but I guess it’s one of the many reasons why I need to go back 😉 That orange dessert looks delicious!
Vlad – There is just so much to see in Sintra so I can understand that. I agree its a great reason to go back