National Palace of Sintra + Albuquerque Foundation

Stories that meet in Sintra

Just a few kilometres apart, two remarkable places offer different perspectives on a world shaped by encounters between cultures, the circulation of objects and artistic creation.

Begin at the National Palace of Sintra, one of Portugal’s oldest royal residences. Home to generations of kings and queens, the Palace brings together different periods, artistic languages and traces of life at the Portuguese court.

Then discover the Albuquerque Foundation, home to more than 2,600 pieces of Chinese export porcelain, with a particular focus on the Ming and Qing dynasties, revealing stories of creation, trade, circulation and encounters between different parts of the world.

Chinese porcelain held a special place in European courts and palace interiors. By bringing these two places together, the combined ticket invites visitors to discover new connections between objects, architecture and heritage.

At the Albuquerque Foundation, the historic collection also enters into dialogue with contemporary creation through exhibitions dedicated to ceramics, within a space combining architecture, gardens, a specialised library and areas for visitors to enjoy.

Two places. Different stories. A dialogue spanning centuries.

Your ticket includes

• Admission to the National Palace of Sintra
• Admission to the Albuquerque Foundation
• Access to the Albuquerque Collection of Chinese Export Porcelain
• Access to the Foundation’s contemporary art exhibitions
• Access to the specialised library, shop/gallery and gardens

Availability

The combined ticket is available Tuesday to Sunday.

The Albuquerque Foundation is closed on Mondays.

Plan your visit

National Palace of Sintra Largo Rainha D. Amélia 2710-616 Sintra [google maps]

Albuquerque Foundation Rua António dos Reis, 189 2710-302 Sintra, Portugal [google maps]

Please check the opening hours of both venues and allow sufficient time to enjoy each visit.

What’s included | Albuquerque Foundation

• Access to the Albuquerque Collection of Chinese Ceramics
• Access to the contemporary art exhibitions
• Access to the specialised library
• Access to the artist ceramics shop
• Access to the gardens
• Access to the café and terrace at Restaurante Albú

Opening hours

Tuesday to Sunday, 10am–6pm

Last admission 30 minutes before closing.

The Albuquerque Foundation is closed on Mondays.

The Foundation is normally open on public holidays, except Mondays and 24, 25 and 31 December and 1 January.

Any changes to opening hours will be communicated through the Foundation’s social media channels.

Suggestions

Enjoy a meal or take a break at Restaurante Albú, located within the Foundation, during your visit.

Getting there

Address

Albuquerque Foundation Rua António dos Reis, 189 2710-302 Sintra, Portugal

Public transport

From Lisbon, take the train to Portela de Sintra station, then take bus 1623 (Cascais – Terminal) or 1629 (Estoril) to the Rua António dos Reis, 124 stop.

By car

The Albuquerque Foundation has paid parking for up to 25 vehicles.

The drive from Lisbon to the Foundation takes approximately 35 minutes.

Paid parking: Rua dos Ourives, n.º 30 2710-144 Sintra, Portugal

Additional information

The Foundation has accessible entrances, ramps, lifts and wheelchair-accessible bathrooms.

Accessible parking spaces are available near the entrance. Children under 14 years of age may not enter the Foundation unaccompanied.