National Palace of Sintra
The National Palace of Sintra, once a lavish royal residence, is today one of the most-visited historic museums in Portugal. Don't miss the domed ceiling, the great hall, royal bedrooms, the chapel. Book National Palace of Sintra tickets and enjoy skip-the-line entry, unlimited access to all areas, and combo tours.
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Explore Pena Palace's grandeur, marveling at its impressive architecture, including battlements, watchtowers, and a drawbridge.
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Visit the King's and Queen's chambers, the banquet hall, and the Arab Room inside the Palace.
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Capture panoramic views of Sintra from the second-highest point on Sintra Hill and stroll through the 200-acre Pena Park.
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Upgrade to skip-the-line tickets for priority entry or select the transport option for convenient shuttles between the park and the Palace.
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Fun Fact: Legend says Virgin Mary's apparition appeared here, leading King João I to build a chapel where weekly mass was held by Santa Maria’s priors.
More details
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Explore Pena Palace's grandeur, marveling at its impressive architecture, including battlements, watchtowers, and a drawbridge.
-
Visit the King's and Queen's chambers, the banquet hall, and the Arab Room inside the Palace.
-
Capture panoramic views of Sintra from the second-highest point on Sintra Hill and stroll through the 200-acre Pena Park.
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Upgrade to skip-the-line tickets for priority entry or select the transport option for convenient shuttles between the park and the Palace.
-
Fun Fact: Legend says Virgin Mary's apparition appeared here, leading King João I to build a chapel where weekly mass was held by Santa Maria’s priors.
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Explore Portugal’s most lived-in royal palace which is over a thousand years old and marvel at the blend of Manueline and Moorish styles of architecture.
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Walk through intricately designed rooms in the footsteps of the Portuguese monarchy.
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Learn about the history of the best-preserved medieval royal palace in Portugal.
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Check out the largest collection of Spanish-Moorish tiles in situ in Europe and upgrade your ticket to include a multilingual audio guide.
More details
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Explore Portugal’s most lived-in royal palace which is over a thousand years old and marvel at the blend of Manueline and Moorish styles of architecture.
-
Walk through intricately designed rooms in the footsteps of the Portuguese monarchy.
-
Learn about the history of the best-preserved medieval royal palace in Portugal.
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Check out the largest collection of Spanish-Moorish tiles in situ in Europe and upgrade your ticket to include a multilingual audio guide.
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Explore National Sintra Palace with an entry e-ticket for a 2-hour guided tour.
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Prior to your visit, download the app and audio tour on your smartphone for a seamless experience.
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Marvel at the opulence of the Swan Room, Julius Caesar's Room, and Queen Maria Pia's Chambers.
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Admire the intricate azulejo tiles that adorn the palace walls, showcasing the artistry of Portuguese ceramics.
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Fun Fact: The palace's unique chimneys are a notable feature, with two conical chimneys rising from the kitchen that resemble gigantic beehives.
More details
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Explore National Sintra Palace with an entry e-ticket for a 2-hour guided tour.
-
Prior to your visit, download the app and audio tour on your smartphone for a seamless experience.
-
Marvel at the opulence of the Swan Room, Julius Caesar's Room, and Queen Maria Pia's Chambers.
-
Admire the intricate azulejo tiles that adorn the palace walls, showcasing the artistry of Portuguese ceramics.
-
Fun Fact: The palace's unique chimneys are a notable feature, with two conical chimneys rising from the kitchen that resemble gigantic beehives.
-
Explore Portugal’s most lived-in royal palace - the National Palace of Sintra, which is over a thousand years old!
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Dating back to the 1450s, the Town Palace is a historic house museum with intricately adorned rooms.
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The National Palace of Queluz and its historical gardens are a perfect example of the harmonious link between landscape and political architecture in Portugal.
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Explore the different designs of Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical architecture.
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Don’t miss out on seeing the famous ponds, sculptures, and fountains in the gardens.
More details
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Explore Portugal’s most lived-in royal palace - the National Palace of Sintra, which is over a thousand years old!
-
Dating back to the 1450s, the Town Palace is a historic house museum with intricately adorned rooms.
-
The National Palace of Queluz and its historical gardens are a perfect example of the harmonious link between landscape and political architecture in Portugal.
-
Explore the different designs of Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical architecture.
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Don’t miss out on seeing the famous ponds, sculptures, and fountains in the gardens.
5% off
- With this money-saving combo ticket, explore Lisboa's Oceanário, Pena National Palace, and Sintra National Palace!
- Over 8,000 creatures belonging to over 500 species await you at the Oceanário de Lisboa.
- Waltz through different ocean environments: the Atlantic, Tropical Indian reefs, Pacific Ocean, and more.
- Check out the many battlements, watchtowers, and drawbridge embellishing the National Palace of Pena, and admire its colorful architectural style.
- Access the Park of Pena, a vast forested area completely surrounding the palace.
- Enter the National Palace of Sintra - a gorgeous blend of Manueline and Moorish styles of architecture and Portugal’s most lived-in royal palace.
More details
- With this money-saving combo ticket, explore Lisboa's Oceanário, Pena National Palace, and Sintra National Palace!
- Over 8,000 creatures belonging to over 500 species await you at the Oceanário de Lisboa.
- Waltz through different ocean environments: the Atlantic, Tropical Indian reefs, Pacific Ocean, and more.
- Check out the many battlements, watchtowers, and drawbridge embellishing the National Palace of Pena, and admire its colorful architectural style.
- Access the Park of Pena, a vast forested area completely surrounding the palace.
- Enter the National Palace of Sintra - a gorgeous blend of Manueline and Moorish styles of architecture and Portugal’s most lived-in royal palace.
10% off
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Experience the wonder of garden mazes, the Abundance Fountain, and the lush Greenhouse, all at your own pace with entry to Quinta da Regaleira.
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Step into the world of royalty with access to Sintra's Pena Palace & Park. Admire the colorful Camellia Garden, the ornate King's bedroom, and more.
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Add more insights and historical context to your tour with the option of audio guides. Tune into Monteiro's quest for truth and Pena's monastic past.
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Take advantage of the optional shuttle service at Pena Palace, saving yourself from a 30-minute walk between the entrance to the Park and the Palace.
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Fun fact: The Initiation Well at Quinta da Regaleira was designed to symbolize the nine circles of Dante’s Inferno and was used for esoteric rites.
More details
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Experience the wonder of garden mazes, the Abundance Fountain, and the lush Greenhouse, all at your own pace with entry to Quinta da Regaleira.
-
Step into the world of royalty with access to Sintra's Pena Palace & Park. Admire the colorful Camellia Garden, the ornate King's bedroom, and more.
-
Add more insights and historical context to your tour with the option of audio guides. Tune into Monteiro's quest for truth and Pena's monastic past.
-
Take advantage of the optional shuttle service at Pena Palace, saving yourself from a 30-minute walk between the entrance to the Park and the Palace.
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Fun fact: The Initiation Well at Quinta da Regaleira was designed to symbolize the nine circles of Dante’s Inferno and was used for esoteric rites.
3% off
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Visit Monserrate Palace, a romantic and whimsical castle from the 19th century.
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Witness a heady blend of Arabic Gothic, Moorish, and Indian architectural styles.
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Discover one of the richest botanical gardens in the world, housing lush exotic foliage.
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Retreat into hidden nooks and crannies, and discover a world less traveled.
More details
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Visit Monserrate Palace, a romantic and whimsical castle from the 19th century.
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Witness a heady blend of Arabic Gothic, Moorish, and Indian architectural styles.
-
Discover one of the richest botanical gardens in the world, housing lush exotic foliage.
-
Retreat into hidden nooks and crannies, and discover a world less traveled.
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Looking for the best views of Sintra? Head up to the 10th-century Moorish Castle, where you can admire its sturdy walls, towers, and ramparts.
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See relics dating back to the Bronze Age and enjoy some of the best views of Sintra and beyond, including the Atlantic Ocean, from atop.
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Gain entry to Monserrate Palace which served as a summer residence for British royalty and aristocracy.
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Wander through Portugal's lush botanical paradise, featuring picturesque grottos, and over 3,000 species of plants from various continents.
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Fun fact: Monserrate Palace has served as a filming location for several movies such as "The House of the Spirits" (1993) and "The Ninth Gate" (1999).
More details
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Looking for the best views of Sintra? Head up to the 10th-century Moorish Castle, where you can admire its sturdy walls, towers, and ramparts.
-
See relics dating back to the Bronze Age and enjoy some of the best views of Sintra and beyond, including the Atlantic Ocean, from atop.
-
Gain entry to Monserrate Palace which served as a summer residence for British royalty and aristocracy.
-
Wander through Portugal's lush botanical paradise, featuring picturesque grottos, and over 3,000 species of plants from various continents.
-
Fun fact: Monserrate Palace has served as a filming location for several movies such as "The House of the Spirits" (1993) and "The Ninth Gate" (1999).
5% off
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Explore Sintra’s heritage at the Monserrate Palace & the magnificent National Palace of Sintra while saving money with the combo.
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Discover the rich history of Sintra as you walk through the elaborate interiors featuring Europe’s oldest Mudejar tiles at the National Palace of Sintra.
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Admire the beautiful decor & artifacts of Portugal’s oldest palace and walk its gardens.
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Make your way to visit the enchanting Monserrate Palace with its dreamy architecture & adorned with intricate designs.
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Take a walk in the Palace’s prolific gardens with exotic foliage. Come across Beckford’s Waterfall, the Japanese garden & the scented path.
More details
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Explore Sintra’s heritage at the Monserrate Palace & the magnificent National Palace of Sintra while saving money with the combo.
-
Discover the rich history of Sintra as you walk through the elaborate interiors featuring Europe’s oldest Mudejar tiles at the National Palace of Sintra.
-
Admire the beautiful decor & artifacts of Portugal’s oldest palace and walk its gardens.
-
Make your way to visit the enchanting Monserrate Palace with its dreamy architecture & adorned with intricate designs.
-
Take a walk in the Palace’s prolific gardens with exotic foliage. Come across Beckford’s Waterfall, the Japanese garden & the scented path.
5% off
Pro tips to help you make a pick
Not all tickets are flexible—check cancellation policies as some tickets are non-refundable.
The National Palace of Sintra and Lisbon Ocearium combo ticket is perfect for those interested in both history and marine life. This combo gives you entry to Europe’s largest indoor aquarium, home to 8,000 creatures and exhibits recreating ocean habitats
The Half-Day Tour departing from Lisbon includes a guide to provide historical insights, enriching the experience with local legends and context as you explore. The tour covers several sites in one day, making it convenient if you’re based in Lisbon.
If available, opt for a guided tour of the National Palace of Sintra to get the most out of your visit to the palace. The last ticket and last admission to the National Palace of Sintra are at 6pm, so plan your visit accordingly.
Pairing Sintra National Palace with Queluz Palace or Pena Palace will allow you to contrast the architectural styles and histories of different royal sites, from medieval Sintra to Romantic Pena and Baroque Queluz. These bundles also offer savings for those planning to visit multiple attractions.
For those who prefer a self-paced exploration, individual tickets often include optional audio guides for the National Palace of Sintra, available in multiple languages. Audio guides are helpful for learning key details about each room and piece of artwork at your own speed.
Top things to do in Lisbon
About National Palace of Sintra
The Sintra National Palace, or Town Palace, served as a residence for the Portuguese Royal Family until 1910. Constructed in the 15th century by an unknown architect, its blend of Medieval, Gothic, Manueline, Renaissance, and Romantic styles showcases organic architecture. Notable features include extensive Mudéjar tiles and distinctive conjoined chimneys in the kitchen, making it an iconic symbol of Sintra. In 2008, it was Portugal's most visited palace, attracting 408,712 visitors.
Whispers of the "Swan King": King Manuel I, responsible for much of the palace's architectural style, earned the nickname "Swan King" due to his obsession with the symbol. Look closely for hidden swan motifs throughout the palace, from carved details to azulejos tiles, reflecting his personal touch.
Kitchen secrets: The iconic conical chimneys weren't just for show. Originally, they vented smoke from the palace kitchens, each designed differently to represent the specific cooking methods used within. One features a spiral design symbolizing the rotisserie grill, while the other boasts a crown-like ornament referencing the royal kitchens.
A taste of the Orient: Hidden within the palace walls is a secret garden known as the "Sala das Sirenas" or "Hall of the Mermaids." This tranquil haven features exotic plants and decorative elements inspired by Chinese and Japanese gardens, showcasing the influence of global exploration during the Manueline era.
Music in the walls: Believe it or not, the palace boasts "singing" rooms. Hidden within the walls are cavities and ducts designed to amplify sound, creating an almost magical acoustic effect. Imagine the halls once resonating with royal music and performances.
Royal retreat in disguise: During the 17th century, the palace served as a secret prison for King Afonso VI, deemed unfit to rule. Confined to a single room for nine years, the king secretly carved poems and prayers into the walls, leaving behind a hidden record of his imprisonment.
Why visit National Palace of Sintra?
Highlights
The Coat of Arms Room
The pinnacle of King Manuel I's vision of monarchy is the Coat of Arms Room. King Manuel I presented himself at the center of a strict hierarchical but interdependent society by affixing his coat of arms to the dome of this space. His ability to rule rested on the nobility and the nobility gave the monarch the social standing he required.
The Magpie Room
The Magpie Room is known to have been a royal audience room before it was used as a second banquet room in the 19th century. The room is called as such because of its ceiling artwork. Throughout the reign of King Duarte, who succeeded King João I and Queen Philippa of Lancaster, it was known as the Magpie room.
The Swan Hall
The Swans Hall served as the palace’s Noble Hall and, more specifically, as the residence of King João I and Queen Philippa of Lancaster. The wood ceiling panels from the late 14th century that feature several white swans on them gave the building its name. The symbol was used by Henry IV, the then King of England and brother to Queen Philippa.
The Palatine Chapel
King Dinis gave the order to build the Palatine Chapel, also known as the Royal Chapel at the start of the 14th century. The hardwood ceiling, which has geometric patterns that resembles a starry sky, is regarded as one of the finest specimens of Mudejar carpentry due to its age and level of preservation.
Galley Hall
The ceiling of the Galley Hall is painted with several galleys, giving the room its name. These galleys display not only the Portuguese flag but also the flags of the Netherlands and the Ottoman Empire. However, they were concealed when the gallery was divided into little spaces to serve as Infante Afonso's chambers in the 19th century.
Chambers of the Palace of King Joao III
The seven Chambers of the Palace of King João III are spread across two floors. All seven chambers are not open to visitors. Previously, the hallway leading to the Heraldic Hall served as the entrance to the upper floor. It was followed by an 18th-century spiral staircase.
Crockery Room
It is unclear what the Crockery Room's original purpose was, making it a particularly intriguing room. It may have been an audience room, a sleeping chamber, or possibly just a basic storage area. Queen Maria Pia of Savoy changed it at the turn of the 20th century into what is currently known as a room used to keep the Royal Family's dining ware.
Arab Room
The Arab Room, which once used to be a portion of the square tower, is a part of the Sintra National Palace's main structure. The top floor of this room completely fell during the Lisbon Earthquake of 1755. King Manuel I installed the small exotic fountain and the Mudejar-style tile roof that give it its name.
Gold Chamber
The Gold Chamber or King Sebastião’s room was the third room of King João I and Queen Philippa of Lancaster's palace and a space where the monarch would host more illustrious visitors. Its supposed gold plating, which gave rise to its name, is known to have existed throughout the 15th and 16th centuries.
Mermaid Room
Due to the marine design that covers the ceiling, the wardrobe room is also called the Mermaid Room. It was frequented almost exclusively by the servants of the Portuguese Royal Family and was situated at the back of the Gold Chamber. The royals kept their clothing and other personal items in big wooden chests rather than closets or wardrobes.
Manueline Hall
The Noble Hall of the Palace of King Manuel I, the Manueline Hall was the fourth largest hall of Sintra National Palace, after the Swans Hall, the Galley Hall, and the Chinese Room. To accommodate King Luis's apartments, it was partitioned in the second half of the 19th century into three compact spaces.
Plan your visit
Main entrance
The main entrance to the palace is through the imposing Gothic Gate, adorned with statues of Portuguese kings and queens. Stepping through the gate, visitors are greeted by the impressive Swan Patio, featuring a beautiful swan-shaped fountain surrounded by azulejos (painted tiles).
Entrance hall
Beyond the patio lies the Entrance Hall, which connects the two main sections of the palace: the medieval wing built by King João I and the Manueline wing constructed by King Manuel I. Each wing boasts its own unique features, offering a glimpse into different periods of Portuguese history.
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