The colorful hills of Sintra are a heritage of the Portuguese culture that stands out as one of the main tourist spots in the Portuguese region. Steep streets, castles and royal houses; a ride that will take you back in time and where you will find beautiful Celtic landscapes featuring the colorful hills of Sintra.
If you take a train from Lisbon, you can reach the village of Sintra in just 35 minutes. This place, with more than 300,000 inhabitants, a striking historic center, and its prodigious power to protect its culturalism, was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO on December 19, 1995.
Alfonso I of Portugal was the first to conquer Sintra in 1147, this city was taken after the conquest of the territory that we know today as Lisbon. Previously Sintra was part of the Muslim kingdom of Taifa of Badajoz, which emerged after the fall of the Caliphate of Córdoba in the early eleventh century.
The beginning of his magical journey through the colorful hills of Sintra can start in the “Quinta da Regaleira.” Recognized as the mystical place of Sintra, this “Quinta” was built as a small palace and it belonged to a Portuguese aristocrat. Around the “Quinta da Regaleira” he arranged a series of magnificent gardens, which are full of symbolism related to Freemasonry. In fact, in every detail you can see small hidden secrets in the real nature offered by “Quinta da Regaleira”.
From its Muslim past, the colorful hills of Sintra still hold an Arab settlement called “Castelo do Mouros.” Built during the eighth century, these Muslim ruins are part of the oldest trace of Sintra in the village. The walks through the castle can be an enriching experience because it is a sample of the multiculturalism of this Portuguese city.
Another great aspect of the colorful hills of Sintra is related to religion. The “Convento dos Capuchos” is a ceremonial stone-built building, which is located in the middle of the Serra de Sintra National Park. With a sweeping austerity, this convent still shows how the Capuchin monks lived several centuries ago.
Located in the heart of the town, the National Palace of Sintra is a place to visit during a walk through its hills. You will find it is easy because its fireplaces feature a conical shape of white color. If the exterior is striking, the inside will give you an idea about old styles of design and the decoration and architecture that were used during the time of the Portuguese monarchy.
In conclusion, Sintra’s cultural heritage is the jewel of its crown, making this villa a high tourist traffic spot. Because this area has 316,000 square kilometers, seven palaces to visit, in addition to natural delights offered by the Portuguese countryside, you can turn your adventure into a fairytale.
ALFA