Palácio Nacional de Sintra

The Palácio Nacional de Sintra — also known as Paço Real or Palácio da Vila — stands in the middle of the historic center and is immediately recognizable by its two huge conical chimneys that tower like oversized cones above the old town. These chimneys belong to the former palace kitchen and are Sintra's landmark.

While the Pena Palace embodies romantic fantasy, the National Palace is real history. For over 800 years — from the 10th century (Moorish period) to 1910 (end of the monarchy) — it served as a royal summer residence. Each era left its mark: Moorish patios with water basins, Gothic chapels, Manueline windows, and Baroque salons.

The highlights inside are breathtaking:

• Sala dos Cisnes (Swan Hall) — the largest hall of the palace, whose ceiling is adorned with 27 hand-painted swans on wooden panels (15th century). Each swan is unique
• Sala das Pegas (Magpie Room) — the ceiling shows 136 magpies, each with a rose in its beak and the phrase "Por Bem" (For Good). Legend has it that King João I had the magpies painted after the court ladies caught him kissing a lady-in-waiting and gossiped about it — the magpies symbolize the gossiping ladies
• Sala dos Brasões (Coat of Arms Room) — a domed ceiling with the coats of arms of 72 Portuguese noble families and the walls completely covered with blue and white azulejos from the 18th century. One of the most beautiful rooms in Portugal
• Arab Room — with original Moorish azulejos from the 15th/16th century, among the oldest in Portugal

The palace is less crowded than the Pena Palace and the Regaleira, as many visitors overlook it. A mistake — the atmosphere here is more intimate and the history more tangible. Plan 45–60 minutes for the visit.