Remnants of Portugal - Sintra
Two Souls Perched at 8th Century Castle Lookout Post
Just a short day trip away from central Lisbon, the setting of Sintra is so different that you feel like you may have been transported to a different place and time. The green rolling mountains and the regal splendour are a welcome respite from the busy hum of the city. For a millenia, Sintra has enchanted kings, poets and weary travelers passing through it's enchanted valleys.
Castle Enclosed by Forest on the Approach
The ruins of an 8th century Moorish castle perched atop the tallest peak allow for breathtaking views from in every direction. On one side are the bridges and monuments of Lisbon in the distance, and on the other, the winding Atlantic coastline. In between are palaces and mansions built by the wealthy and powerful through the ages.
Mansion in the Distance
Palacio da Vila from Above
Scaling the stairs of the castle walls was exciting, beautiful, at times a bit horrifying. I had to actually sit down at one point due to vertigo from the height and strange angles. Somehow, the 2-foot high walls on the edge weren't very comforting in light of the several-hundred-foot drop on the other side. It was definitely worth it for the views, though.
Vertiginous Wall Shot
After winding my way down the mountain, I relaxed in the city center. Nestled in one of the valleys, it's a great vantage point to see some of the landmarks from a closer perspective. The day that I visited, it was full of tourists, but I guess that's the price of a summer trip to a popular spot.
Sintra City Center
As I made my way back to the bus station to head back to Lisbon, I stopped at one of several fountains where you can fill up on natural spring water. This one was designed by Portugese sculptor Jose da Fonseca. When I visited, there were families filling up huge bottles of drinking water for the coming weeks. Much better than buying bottles in the supermarket, no?
Moorish Fountain by José da Fonseca c1922
One of my last stops before heading out was the Town Hall. You know there's a history of money in a town when even the town hall looks like a palace.
Town Hall
I left with a lingering impression of the magic of Sintra. Enchanted misty valleys, surrounded by fantastical fairy tale palaces and ancient monuments. Magical, indeed.
Just a short day trip away from central Lisbon, the setting of Sintra is so different that you feel like you may have been transported to a different place and time. The green rolling mountains and the regal splendour are a welcome respite from the busy hum of the city. For a millenia, Sintra has enchanted kings, poets and weary travelers passing through it's enchanted valleys.
The ruins of an 8th century Moorish castle perched atop the tallest peak allow for breathtaking views from in every direction. On one side are the bridges and monuments of Lisbon in the distance, and on the other, the winding Atlantic coastline. In between are palaces and mansions built by the wealthy and powerful through the ages.
Scaling the stairs of the castle walls was exciting, beautiful, at times a bit horrifying. I had to actually sit down at one point due to vertigo from the height and strange angles. Somehow, the 2-foot high walls on the edge weren't very comforting in light of the several-hundred-foot drop on the other side. It was definitely worth it for the views, though.
After winding my way down the mountain, I relaxed in the city center. Nestled in one of the valleys, it's a great vantage point to see some of the landmarks from a closer perspective. The day that I visited, it was full of tourists, but I guess that's the price of a summer trip to a popular spot.
As I made my way back to the bus station to head back to Lisbon, I stopped at one of several fountains where you can fill up on natural spring water. This one was designed by Portugese sculptor Jose da Fonseca. When I visited, there were families filling up huge bottles of drinking water for the coming weeks. Much better than buying bottles in the supermarket, no?
One of my last stops before heading out was the Town Hall. You know there's a history of money in a town when even the town hall looks like a palace.
I left with a lingering impression of the magic of Sintra. Enchanted misty valleys, surrounded by fantastical fairy tale palaces and ancient monuments. Magical, indeed.
posted by Chromest*r at 11:25 PM
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