Last Updated on June 15, 2020 by Anisa

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.

COVID-19: Please follow government guidelines.  The National Palace of Sintra is open, but there are special rules, so please check here before planning your visit.  Alternatively, you may enjoy these virtual tours of castles.

National Palace of Sintra History

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.

The National Palace is a beautiful building but even more impressive from the inside. -

The National Palace is a beautiful building but even more impressive from the inside.

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.

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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! Click to Tweet

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. -

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?-

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.

 

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The details on the bed and the walls were impressive. -

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.

I wasn't expecting to find a Chinese pagoda inside the Sintra National Palace! -

I wasn’t expecting to find a Chinese pagoda inside the Sintra National Palace!

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! -

Another impressive ceiling!

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.

The chapel is one of the oldest rooms in the Town Palace. -

The chapel is one of the oldest rooms in the Town Palace.

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.

I loved the tile work through out the National Palace, but this was probably my favorite. -

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.

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Some of the pots 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. -

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

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Expert Tips for Visiting the Town Palace

  • Buy the combined ticket online to save money on the Sintra National Palace entrance fee.
  • Go in the afternoon so you miss the crowds