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The Sintra National Palace

The Sintra National Palace, also known as Palácio Nacional de Sintra, is one of Portugal’s most significant historical landmarks, located in the heart of Sintra. Its origins trace back to the early Middle Ages, but the palace we see today primarily reflects architectural styles from the 14th to the 16th centuries, encompassing Gothic, Manueline, and Mudéjar influences.

Originally a Moorish palace, it was transformed and expanded by successive Portuguese monarchs after the Christian reconquest of Portugal. King John I initiated the major reconstruction in the 15th century, and subsequent monarchs, including Manuel I, added their touches, creating the eclectic and harmonious blend of styles that define the palace today.

Distinctive for its two large conical chimneys, which dominate Sintra's skyline, the Sintra National Palace is equally impressive inside. Highlights include the Magpies Room (Sala dos Pegasos), with its intricate ceiling painting of magpies, and the Swan Room (Sala dos Cisnes), adorned with elegant swan motifs. The palace also boasts beautiful azulejo tilework, particularly in the Arab Room (Sala dos Árabes), showcasing Portugal’s rich ceramic heritage.

The palace served as a summer retreat for the Portuguese royal family for several centuries, offering respite from the heat of Lisbon. Its well-preserved state allows visitors to step back in time and experience the opulence and daily life of Portuguese royalty.

Today, the Sintra National Palace is a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors with its architectural beauty, historical significance, and stunning interiors. It stands as a testament to Sintra's royal heritage and is an integral part of the town's cultural landscape.

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  1. Introduction
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  2. Replica of King Tutankhamen’s Throne, pre-1980s
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  3. Horse Model, c. 1870s
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  4. Replica Radio-Controlled Model Airplane “Big Guff,” 1937
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  5. Dutch Merchantman Model, Handmade, c. 1949
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  6. Carrom Board, The Carrom Company, manufactured 1914-1939
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  7. Flexible Flyer Sled, S.L. Allen and Company, Inc.
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  8. Pieter Van Peenen’s Trunk, c. 1863
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  9. Wheelchair, circa 1940s-1950s
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  10. Child’s Ladder-Back Chair, 1840-1860
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  11. Child’s Rocking Chair, mid-19th century
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  12. Baby’s Highchair, 1830-1839
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  13. Bassinet, Vermeulen Furniture Company, 1930
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  14. Rocking Horse, Pony Boy Manufacturing Company, 1947-1948
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  15. Edgars Krasts’ Trunk, c. 1951
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  16. Work Table, date unknown
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  17. Bicycle, “Mini Miss,” Stelber Bicycle Corporation, c. late 1960s
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  18. Electric Stove, Kalamazoo Stove & Furnace Company, 1948-1950
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  19. Electro Hygiene Vacuum Cleaner, c. 1940
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  20. Pump Organ, Star Organ, c. 1870s
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  21. Electric Phonograph Company, 1916-1918
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  22. Regina Music Box, c. 1895
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  23. Console Television, Model 2U172L Run 2, Magnavox, c. 1960
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  24. Radio, Zenith Radio Company, 1940-1941
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  25. Bass Drum, Barbour Hall Military Academy Band, c. 1950s-1979
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  26. Chickering Piano, 1864
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  27. Florentine Table, c. 1875
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  28. Panama Pacific Exposition of 1915
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  29. Carved Chair, purchased 1915
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  30. Table, Hinoki Wood, 1915
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  31. Settee, c. 1870
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  32. Writing Desk and Chair, c. 1880
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  33. Singer Sewing Machine, 1927
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  34. Underwood Standard Bookkeeping Machine, post-1923
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  35. Permanent Wave Machine, c. 1937
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  36. Hoekstra’s Hardware Store Sign, 1940s-2017
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  37. Test 'Ur Own' Radio and TV Tube Tester, c. Late 1950s - Early 1960s
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  38. Telephone Switchboard, 555 PBX (Private Branch Exchange) model, 1955-1969
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