National Palace of Sintra & Gardens

National Palace of Sintra & Gardens

By purchasing this ticket, you can explore the elegant corridors and rooms of the National Palace of Sintra. Did you know this former royal residence was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1995?

The origins of this palace date back to the 10th century, when the Arab geographer Al-Bakri referred to it in his chronicles as a residence of Arab governors. As early as the 13th century, texts spoke of such a palace used by Denis I of Portugal, although at that time it only had a few rooms and a chapel. The king is said to have gifted the palace to his wife, Queen Saint Elizabeth of Portugal, and this palace became the residence of the Portuguese monarchs ever since. 

The Lisbon earthquake of 1755 destroyed several parts of the original building, which were later rebuilt maintaining the appearance it had in the 16th century. Inside, you can visit the Spanish-Mudejar style rooms decorated with tiles, the Hall of the Coats of Arms, the Hall of the Arabs, the Hall of the Swans, or the royal kitchens. 

The gardens have also been restored by the public organization Parques de Sintra. Since 2013, the entire complex has been part of the European Network of Royal Residences. 

The National Palace and its iconic cone-shaped towers are part of the landscape of Sintra and the history of Portuguese royalty. Strolling through its corridors will feel like going back to a time when power filled every room and every corner.

Opening hours

The National Palace of Sintra is open Monday to Sunday from 9:30 am to 6:30 pm. These hours are subject to change and may vary.

Children under 6

Children under 6 years old don't need to pay for the ticket, but you must go to the ticket office at the National Palace of Sintra to pickup their tickets.