National Palace of Sintra
Travel through a thousand years of history in the oldest palace in Portugal. The current Palace of Sintra emerges out of many royal palaces.
Travel through a thousand years of history in the oldest palace in Portugal. The current Palace of Sintra emerges out of many royal palaces. This is a set of buildings that were constructed, added and adapted over the course of many centuries with the actual date of the founding of the country’s oldest palace a question that still remains to be resolved. In all likelihood, the first building was constructed in around the 10th or 11th century when Sintra was under Moorish rule
Available Experiences
Choose the experience that best suits your preferences.
Palace of Sintra: Essential Visit
In Sintra’s Historic Centre, discover Portugal’s best-preserved medieval royal palace — instantly recognisable by its twin conical chimneys. A visit through landmark rooms, court life and centuries of history.
- In Sintra’s Historic Centre
- Landmark rooms and collections (tiles and decorative arts)
- Iconic twin conical chimneys
- Digital resources available
Palace of Sintra: Full Visit
Step behind the scenes of the National Palace of Sintra on an exclusive visit that unveils one of its most private and historically significant spaces — Queen Maria Pia’s Residence, a unique testament to the final years of the Portuguese monarchy. Book now and discover a side of the Palace that is rarely accessible to the public.
- Access to an exclusive area of the palace
- Small-group visit
- Private apartments featuring a newly curated museum display
- Objects that reveal the personality of Queen Maria Pia of Savoy
Palace of Sintra: Theatrical Visit
A theatrical visit to Queen Maria Pia’s Residence, featuring historically informed live theatre, followed by a walk through Sintra’s historic centre and tea at Vila Roma, evoking the final years of the Portuguese monarchy.
- 1h of live theatre integrated in the visit to Queen Maria Pia's Residence
- Includes a stroll through Sintra's historic centre and tea at Vila Roma
- A narrative centred on Queen Maria Pia of Savoy
- Access to an exclusive area of the palace
Feel Sintra: Royal Palaces
With transport included and self-guided access to the palaces, this experience offers complete freedom to explore Sintra without concerns about travel or access. Hassle-free mobility for 24 hours.
- National Palace of Pena (includes the "Essential Visit" and the entirety of the Pena Park, which includes the Countess d'Edla's Chalet)
- National Palace of Sintra
- Total freedom to explore at your own pace for one day
- Transport provided by Scotturb – routes 434 and 435 (24-hour valid ticket).
Feel Sintra: Royal Heritage
With transport included and self-guided access to the palaces, this experience offers complete freedom to explore Sintra without concerns about travel or access. Hassle-free mobility for 24 hours.
- National Palace of Queluz and National Palace of Sintra
- Total freedom to explore at your own pace for one day
- Transport provided by Scotturb – routes 434 and 435 (24-hour valid ticket).
National Palace of Sintra + Biester Palace and Park
Without leaving the historic centre, visit the only royal palace that spans the entire history of Portugal, along with an elegant 19th-century private chalet surrounded by stunning gardens.
- Entry to both monuments
- 24-hour transport: Scotturb buses 434 and 435
- Complete the experience with a walking route through the town (approx. 3 km)
- Don’t miss the traditional pastry shops in the centre
National Palace of Sintra + Sintra Natural History Museum
Two sides of Sintra with a single ticket. At the Palace, follow the history of the Portuguese monarchy; at the Museum, explore fossils, minerals and curiosities from the natural world.
- One day programme
- Two iconic cultural venues in the historic centre
- Complete the experience with a walk through the town (approx. 3 km)
- Don’t forget to visit the traditional pastry shops in the centre