Sensuous Sintra

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(seen tra)

“To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries.” – Aldous Huxley

Sinatra is a mix of natural and man-made beauty: fantasy castles set amid exotic tropical plants, lush green valleys, and craggy hilltops with hazy views of the Atlantic. This is the National Palace, set in the heart of the town, and it’s the oldest surviving royal palace in Portugal – still used for official receptions.
These two gigantic cones make this palace visible from pretty much everywhere we went, in and around the town.
But their purpose was practical. They are the two exhaust “vents” for the expansive kitchen.
Every palace needs a formal garden – this palace had a couple.
Pena Palace — This magical hilltop palace sits high above Sinatra. In the 19th century, Portugal had a very romantic prince, the German–born Prince Ferdinand. Flamboyant Ferdinand hired a German architect to build a fantasy castle, mixing elements of German & Portuguese style.
It was a challenge
to select just the perfect the images.
So many to choose from and yet I don’t want to bore you!
Pena Palace Park – The lush, captivating, and sprawling grounds are dotted with romantic surprises.
Like gorgeous and curved paths,
that climbed up and up to the “high cross”
with views that went as far as the ocean.
I don’t know the name of this palace but what pretty towers, eh?
This moorish castle, hanging over the town, was so pretty at night.
Of course, we had to go up to explore this thousand year old ruin of the Moorish Castle.
I got about three quarters of the way up to the top (left side of this pic) before chickening out. It was just too scary for me!
Quinta da Regaleira – This Neo-Everything (Manuline/Gothic/Renaissance) 1912 mansion and garden has mystical and Masonic twists. It was designed by Italian opera set designer Luigi Mancini for a wealthy but disgruntled monarchist two years after the royal family had been deposed. The grounds are an utter delight to wander, with fanciful follies, secret passages and lush landscaping.
Even though it was late in the season the foliage was beautiful.
There were caves and
wells and
“castles” to explore.
There were ancient forests to admire.
And inviting openings in the walls.
Stairs to climb, just to see what was on the other side.
Talk about fanciful – look at this fountain!
Now look closer!
Oh yeah and there were roosters, crowing their delight at living in such a place. 😉

We returned home on Oct 3 but I still have a few more posts to share with you. Hang in there – I’m working as fast as I can. 😂

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Published by murphys836

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9 thoughts on “Sensuous Sintra”

  5. Wow, what a gorgeous place! I have seen photos of Sintra before, but not with your detailed perspective. Very interesting 😃

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