National Palace of Sintra Tickets
Situated in the city of Lisbon, the National Palace of Sintra was declared a UNESCO heritage site in 1995.
Also known as the town palace, it dates back to the 9th century, when the Moorish governors built their residence on this site.
During the Middle Ages, the palace was used as a resort, hunting retreat, and safe haven during outbreaks by the monarchs.
The palace is great for learning about Sintra and its culturally rich history.
This article has everything you need to know about the National Palace of Sintra.
| Top 3 National Palace of Sintra tickets 1. National Palace of Sintra tickets 2. Park and Pena Palace + National Palace + Castle of the Moors 3. National Palace of Sintra + Monserrate Palace |
What to expect at the National Palace of Sintra
Unique Architecture
The National Palace of Sintra’s architecture is a fusion of Gothic, Manueline, and Mudéjar styles, combining Christian and Muslim artistic influences.
Giant Kitchen Chimney
Here, you see the 14th-century chimney, which is 33 meters (108 feet) high.
The chimney was used to vent out all the smoke from the kitchen.
Coats of Arms
In Sala dos Brasões, also known as the Coats of Arms, visitors can see the marvelous collection of Mudéjar Azulejos.
These colored glazed tiles depict pastoral and hunting scenes that are extraordinary.
Swan Halls
These halls are the oldest staterooms in the Portuguese palace, whose ceilings are decorated with paintings of swans and octagonal panels.
Magpies Room
As soon as you enter, you will see the Renaissance fireplace made of marble and the ceiling divided into 136 triangular panels.
All these panels depict Magpipes, while the old furniture reflects the majesty of its monarch.
The National Palace of Sintra is a great place to understand the blend of different architectural cultures into one beautiful creation.
National Palace of Sintra tickets
You can buy tickets for the National Palace of Sintra at the attraction or online.
Buying entry tickets online is better because it is upto 20% cheaper and helps you avoid long lines that can otherwise take 30 minutes.
You can just show your e-ticket on your phone when you arrive.
Visitors aged six and above can purchase a ticket for €10.
Kids under 6 get in for free, but you still need to select a ticket for them online.
Ticket prices
Adult ticket (6+ years): €10
Infant ticket (up to 5 years): Free
Park and Pena Palace + National Palace + Castle of the Moors
You can buy a single ticket that gives you access to three popular tourist attractions in Sintra: the Pena Palace, the National Palace of Sintra, and the Castle of the Moors.
This ticket will give you skip-the-line admission to all these attractions and help you avoid all the last-minute hassles.
This is a great way to save time and money, as you get a 6% discount and save at least €2 per person.
Opening hours of Sintra National Palace
The National Palace of Sintra is open for visitors from 9.30 am to 6.30 pm daily.
The last entry for the palace is one hour before the closing time (5.30 pm).
The Best time to visit
Spring and early autumn are the best times to visit the Sintra National Palace.
Visitors have a pleasant time as the atmosphere is bright and sunny without the extra summer heat.
You can also avoid the crowds and long waiting lines during this time, saving you time.
How long does it take to visit the National Palace of Sintra?
Most visitors prefer to spend 90 minutes to two hours exploring the palace.
On the other hand, History enthusiasts spend more than four to five hours to get a closer look at Sintra’s rich history.
How to reach
The National Palace of Sintra is located in Sintra, in the Lisbon district of Portugal.
Address: Largo Rainha Dona Amélia, 2710-616, Sintra. Get Directions
By Train
The National Palace is just 10 minutes away from the Sintra train station.
If you are traveling from Lisbon, you can catch a train from the Rossi station.
Or hop on the Sintra line and take the CP train from Lisbon to Sintra from Oriente, Rossio, and Entrecampos stations.
The trains here leave at intervals of 30 minutes.
By Bus
The nearest bus stops to the palace are Largo Ferreira Castro (434) and Largo C.M. Sintra (433 and 434).
By Car
If you are traveling by car or taxi, you can take IC19 from Lisbon, and if you are arriving from Mafra, take IC30.
Take the EN9 route from Cascais and reach the National Palace of Sintra via the A5.
You can easily reach the National Palace by following the directions on Google Maps.
When it comes to parking, you can park your car at Estacionamento, which is just a 5-minute walk from the site.
Difference between Pena Palace and the National Palace of Sintra
The major difference between the two famous palaces in Sintra is their color palette.
The National Palace of Pena is a colorful palace on the Sintra hills.
The National Palace of Sintra, also known as the Town Palace, is white and in the Sintra historic center.
Pena Palace was the new castle built in the 19th century, while the National Palace was started in the 11th century with major additions in the 14th century.
The best way to choose between the two is to visit both palaces, which can be quickly done with a guided tour for €30.
FAQs
Why is Sintra National Palace so famous?
The Sintra National Palace is the best-preserved medieval royal palace in Portugal.
It was a favorite among Portuguese royalty during the Middle Ages.
The minimalistic gothic exteriors have beautifully decorated staterooms, due to which it is a highly recommended attraction to visit in Sintra.
Who built the Sintra National Palace?
The first document testifying to the palace’s existence dates back to 1281.
However, the current building infrastructure stems broadly from the construction campaigns undertaken during the reigns of Dinis, João I, Manuel I, and João II.
Who lived in the Sintra National Palace?
The Portuguese monarchy and its courthouse had inhabited the historic town center for eight centuries.
It was often used, especially during the Middle Ages, as a hunting retreat, a summer resort, and a refuge during disease outbreaks.
Is the National Palace of Sintra open all year round?
Yes, the Sintra National Palace is open all year round for its visitors.
The palace’s opening hours are from 9.30 am to 6.30 pm.
Why are there so many palaces in Sintra?
Sintra has enchanting landscapes and a cool mountain climate, which might be why there are so many palaces.
It soon became a favorite summer destination for monarchs throughout the ages, who built fantastic palaces in the town.
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