Sintra Portugal
Tourism Sites
Castle of the Moorsi
🧠 Fact: A medieval hilltop fortress offering panoramic views over Sintra and Lisbon’s coastline.
💡 Tip: Combine with a visit to Pena Palace on the same day — they’re walking distance apart.
Info: The Castle of the Moors (Castelo dos Mouros) is a medieval fortress perched atop the Sintra Mountains in Portugal. Built by the Moors in the 8th or 9th century, it served as a strategic stronghold to oversee the surrounding lands and maritime routes to Lisbon. After the Christian conquest in 1147, the castle was entrusted to its inhabitants and later underwent restorations, notably by King Ferdinand II in the 19th century, who transformed it into a romantic ruin. Today, visitors can explore its ancient battlements, climb its towers, and enjoy panoramic views of Sintra, the Atlantic Ocean, and nearby landmarks like the Pena Palace. The castle is part of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park and contributes to the area's designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Pena Palace
🧠 Fact: A 19th-century Romanticist castle perched on a hilltop, often enveloped in mist.
💡 Tip: Visit early in the morning to avoid heavy crowds and get clearer photos.
Info: Pena Palace is a vibrant and eclectic 19th-century castle perched atop a hill in Sintra, Portugal. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is a masterpiece of Romantic architecture, blending Gothic, Manueline, Moorish, and Renaissance styles. Painted in vivid reds and yellows, the palace is surrounded by lush forests and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Built by King Ferdinand II, it served as a summer residence for the Portuguese royal family. Today, Pena Palace is one of Portugal’s most iconic landmarks, attracting visitors from around the world with its fairy-tale charm and historical significance.