Friday morning, as we set off on the train journey to Sintra, from Rossi Station, I am wondering if it will be very busy, as even this early in March,the train is packed with tourists. On arrival, I was dismayed by the number of touts outside the station, offering all manner of tours, from Tuktuks and taxis to minibuses and more. It would give the unsuspecting tourist the impression that it was not possible to be self- reliant. After a calming coffee, in a tasteful little cafe, the initial crowd had dispersed and we were able to make our way round to the National Palace, on foot, would you believe, in glorious sunshine , tempered by a cooling breeze…one of the reasons the rich and royalty came up here.
We bought a ticket for the three destinations we wanted to visit – the National Palace, the Moorish Castle and the Pena Palace. On entering our first setting, my fears about crowds evaporated. We were able to view all the wonderful rooms, without any problem. See the selection, above.
Entrancing portrait of the greatest New Testament hero -John the Baptist.
One of the most striking features of the Palace are the two, white conical chimneys,
built over the kitchen. The next destination was the Moorish castle and the easiest and cheapest way of getting up there is by the local bus service, which for € 5.50, allowed you to get hop on and off at each destination. So be it.
The ruinous castle was built in the ninth century and within its walls are traces of occupation there, going back five thousand years , including a necropolis and seed/ vegetable silos. It offers majestic views from its forested, mountainous setting.
On such a sunny day, the vistas are remarkable.
Finally, the Pena Palace; Ferdinand II’s ultimate folly , built with his own money and for the best of intentions , as his political influence in Portuguese politics was minimal ; his artistic influence was maximised in his sponsoring of the Arts and his own idiosyncratic tastes – if Disney had been around, it would have thrilled him. It amused and amazed us .
A 19 th century Romantacist edifice, partly adjacent to a former monastery, whose cells, Ferdinand redeveloped, along with a complex addition – the new palace . Hence the seemingly disparate , external paintwork. It’s a flamboyant complex and all the more striking in that it contrasts so vividly with the surrounding greenery of the forest.
You might think that it was no wonder the Portuguese people got rid of the monarchy; they seemed to have lost touch with reality. Still Lord Byron loved it and so did we.
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ensuitepilgrim's Blog 
Sintra is still one of my favourite places I’ve ever visited! So jealous of your Portugal visit.