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Lord Byron said: "Sintra
is a glorious Eden"; "Cintra, the world's most blessed place
almost brings me tears to my eyes", Robert Southey (19" century). Sintra is a legendary place, ideal for fairytales, with its valleys and mountains, so calm that brings peace to our souls, its inspiring fountains and its fascinating gardens. Sintra, classified as World Heritage by UNESCO, has magnificent monuments to visit, places with a spirit that hides secrets: The Moors Castle, goes back to the Peninsular occupation by the Moors (8th century) conquered in 1147, after several attempts by D. Afonso Henriques, here the first Christian Chapel of Sintra was built and dedicated to Saint Pedro. National Palace of Sintra, known as 'Palace of the Village" or "Royal Palace" for being the holiday residence for the royalty, was built in two parts: the first during the government of D. João I (15th century), the second during the government of D. Manuel I. National Palace of Pena, a pure example of romantic Portuguese architecture. In 1839 D. Fernando, husband of D. Maria II, got possession of the Convent of the Holy Virgin, built in 1503. He enlarged it with the cooperation of the Prussian Engineer Ludwig von Eschwege to a creation full of sensitivity. Convent of Capuchos, built in 1560 by D. Alvaro de Castro. This convent is a typical example of the modest and rigid daily life of the monks belonging to the Order of Saint Francis. |
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Mary's Church, built under D. Afonso Henriques' order (17 th century).
The church suffered several modifications during the years. Today it is
one of the few medieval examples that still exists. Palace of Monserrate, owes its name to a small chapel built in 1540. In the 18th century Gerard De Visme constructed a neogothic castle. In 1856 Francis Cook, with help from the architect Knowles Jr., built a new palace with an oriental style. The Palace is a real example of romantic architecture, with gardens full of exotic plants as well as local flora. Quinta da Regaleira, erected in the beginning of the 20 h century. It is a composition of fabulous styles and constructions (gardens, ponds, caves, statues, towers), built by Lulgi Martini. Other magnificent constructions can be found in Sintra as well as beautiful natural landscapes. |
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