Situated in the town’s historic centre, the National Palace of Sintra is an unique monument, distinguished by its outstanding historical, architectural and artistic value.

Of all the palaces built by the Portuguese monarchs throughout the Middle Ages, only the palace of Sintra has survived to the present day virtually intact, still maintaining the same essential features of its shape and outline since the mid-16th century.

The main building campaigns that took place after the Christian Reconquest in the 12th century were sponsored by the kings Dinis, João I and Manuel I, between the end of the 13th century and the mid-16th century.

These campaigns consisted of adaptations, enlargements and general improvement works that have given the palace its present-day appearance.