Sintra National Palace

Description

The Sintra National Palace or the Palácio Nacional de Sintra; built for King João I in the 14th century, is said to be the best preserved medieval royal palace in Portugal, as well as its most lived in royal palace. Located in the heart of Sintra’s Old Town, the Sintra National Palace is noticeable by its two odd-looking conical chimneys. The impressive palace is also known for its gothic exterior and its extravagantly decorated interior. Inside the National Palace, visitors will come across a variety of rooms, corridors and galleries all in Moorish, Gothic, and Manueline architectural styles. Highlights of the attraction include the Sala da Brasões; known for its decorated hall and domed ceiling, the Sala dos Cisnes or the Hall of Swans; named after the painted swans decorating the ceiling, the Sala das Pegas or the Hall of Magpies, the Sala dos Árabes or the Arab Room, the palace's kitchen above witch the magnificent conical chimneys extend, the Sala da Galés or the Galleon Room, the Sala das Sereias or the Room of the Mermaids, and the Sala de Dom Sebastião which was the bedchamber of King Sebastião.  

Ticket Price

Adults (18 – 64 yrs): 10 euros Youth (6 – 17 yrs): 8,50 euros Seniors (over 65 yrs): 8,50 euros

Opening Hour

09:00 – 19:00 Last ticket – 18:30

Recommended Visit Duration

Around 1 hour or more

Suitable For

Adults, senior visitors, young adults, families, children

Must See

The chimneys, the exterior, and the rooms mentioned above

Prayer Facilities

Muslims visiting the Sintra National Palace will not be able to find prayer facilities within the attraction, but they may be able to find a secluded place outdoors to offer their prayers. If they are unable to do so, they will have to return to their accommodation at prayer times, since there are no known mosques in Sintra. Muslim tourists could however make use of the facilities offered at one of the mosques in Lisbon, which is about 45 minutes away from Sintra.  

Halal Food

While the Sintra National Palace does not house a food outlet, visitors will be able to get a bite to eat at one of the several restaurants in the surrounding area. Since these cafés and restaurants will not be Halal certified, Muslim tourists will have to dine on seafood and vegetarian dishes. There are also no known Halal restaurants in the town of Sintra.