en en fi en oc en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en it en en en en en en en en ro en en en en en en en en en fr en en en en en fa en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en de en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en es en en en en
Sintra is a great day out if you are visiting Lisbon and is easily accessed by train from Rossio station. It takes about 40 minutes but leave yourself a little time at Rossio to admire the pictorial tiles on the platform walls.
Our first stop was the National Palace in the UNESCO world heritage listed historical centre. First mentioned in the 11th century, the rudimentary moorish fort has been transformed over many years into the fine palace it is today. From the outside the most striking aspect is the whitewashed twin 33m high chimneys, which sit over the kitchens. Inside it’s probably the ceilings that steal the show, with the in-house map calling it a “harmonious blend of Gothic, Morrish and Renaissance elements that is so characteristic of the monument’s architecture and heritage”. Couldn’t have said it better myself. The Swan Room ceiling with its 27 wooden panels painted with swans, followed by the Magpie Room with magpies and the Galley Room with ships.
We spent a bit of time outside admiring this part of Sintra and the buildings perched up on the steep hills. For those with energy to burn there is a steep trail that runs from the town to the Moorish Castle Ruins (our next destination) but we got back on the bus.
We didn’t explore the park, this trip had punished poor Linda’s knees enough and so we signed off a fabulous day out and jumped back on the bus.
Some points of note if you’re considering this trip. The 434 bus is very popular and often there are queues for it. Particularly later in the day at Pena, you may have to stand and wait for a while until you can get on a bus. To get the best of this trip there are steep hills to tackle, steps to climb and uneven surfaces. Even using the local transport and the one lift we spotted at Pena, it’s a tough but rewarding day for your legs. Stout walking boots with a good grip and walking poles help.
Extend your trip to Lisbon by an extra day and visit Sintra, it’s well worth it.
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