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Cultural Landscape of Sintra

Sintra, Portugal
16.09.2014

The Kulturlandschaft (Cultural Landscape) Sintra is a breathtaking destination located in the charming town of Sintra, Portugal. This unique landscape is a harmonious blend of natural and man-made elements, making it a must-visit for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

Nestled between the lush green mountains of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park and the sparkling blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean, this landscape is a feast for the senses. The rugged cliffs, rolling hills, and dense forests are a testament to the stunning diversity of the area.

At the heart of this landscape lies the enchanting town of Sintra, known for its rich history and cultural heritage. The town is home to numerous palaces, castles, and gardens that showcase the intricate architectural styles of different eras. The most famous of these is the colorful Pena Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that boasts a blend of Gothic, Moorish, and Renaissance influences.

Visitors can also explore the romantic Quinta da Regaleira, a 19th-century mansion surrounded by mystical gardens, hidden tunnels, and grottoes. Another must-see is the Castle of the Moors, a medieval fortress perched on a hilltop with stunning panoramic views of the landscape.

Aside from its historical landmarks, the Kulturlandschaft Sintra also offers a plethora of outdoor activities. Hiking, cycling, and horseback riding are popular ways to explore the area and take in its natural beauty. The town is also a haven for foodies, with its traditional restaurants serving up delicious Portuguese cuisine.

With its picturesque scenery and rich cultural heritage, the Kulturlandschaft Sintra is a destination that will leave a lasting impression on all who visit. Whether you are seeking adventure, relaxation, or a deeper understanding of Portuguese culture, this enchanting landscape has something for everyone.


In the 19th century Sintra became the first centre of European Romantic architecture. Ferdinand II turned a ruined monastery into a castle where this new sensitivity was displayed in the use of Gothic, Egyptian, Moorish and Renaissance elements and in the creation of a park blending local and exotic species of trees. Other fine dwellings, built along the same lines in the surrounding serra , created a unique combination of parks and gardens which influenced the development of landscape architecture throughout Europe.

Sintra (, Portuguese: [ˈsĩtɾɐ] ) is a town and municipality in the Greater Lisbon region of Portugal, located on the Portuguese Riviera. The population of the municipality in 2021 was 385,654, in an area of 319.23 square kilometres (123.26 sq mi). Sintra is one of the most urbanized and densely populated municipalities of Portugal. A major tourist destination famed for its picturesqueness, the municipality has several historic palaces, castles, scenic beaches, parks and gardens.

The area includes the Sintra-Cascais Nature Park through which the Sintra Mountains run. The historic center of the Vila de Sintra is famous for its 19th-century Romanticist architecture, historic estates and villas, gardens, and royal palaces and castles, which resulted in the classification of the town as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sintra's landmarks include the medieval Castle of the Moors, the romanticist Pena National Palace and the Portuguese Renaissance Sintra National Palace.

Sintra is one of the wealthiest municipalities in both Portugal and the Iberian Peninsula as a whole. It is home to one of the largest foreign expatriate communities along the Portuguese Riviera and consistently ranks as one of the best places to live in Portugal.The ECB Forum on Central Banking, an annual event organised by the European Central Bank, is held in Sintra.

wikipedia.org