Monserrate Palace

Sintra, Portugal

The Monserrate Palace is an exotic palatial villa located near Sintra, the traditional summer resort of the Portuguese court.

It was restored in 1858 for Sir Francis Cook, an English baronet created Viscount of Monserrate by King Luís I. The design was influenced by Romanticism and Mudéjar Moorish Revival architecture with Neo-Gothic elements. The eclecticism is a fine example of the Sintra Romanticism, along with other nearby palácios, such as the Pena Palace and the Quinta do Relógio. The Islamic architectural influence is in reference to when the region was a part of the wider Muslim Gharb Al-Andalus until the 13th century.

The terrace leads out into the large park. It is designed in a romantic style with a lake, several springs and fountains, grottoes, and is surrounded by lush greenery with rare species.

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Details

Founded: 1858
Category: Palaces, manors and town halls in Portugal

Rating

4.7/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Shaina LaCount-Tompkins (2 years ago)
This place us magical! Transports you into a fantasy garden world that makes you forget another world exists. Portugal has a whole has amazing architecture and this site is no different. Jazz plays on the grounds in the back by a live band. Easy to access and just sit and listen if you like. Had a phenomenal time and is a must-see is the UNESCO certified city of Sintra
Alex Y (2 years ago)
Besides amazing interior of the palace (recommendation to consider details) the other breathtaking thing is the botanic garden around. One of the best gardens. The variety of plants is unbelievable, especially taking into account that all those are outside. Count for ~2 hours to slowly get around the territory.
Eduard Verbaarschot (2 years ago)
This is one of my favourite palaces in Sintra. Hidden in the green Sintra mountain, lies this beautiful palace. You walk through a beautiful garden to the palace. It is so green and beautiful and that makes the walk really enjoyable. There are several hiking trails that take you to the palace. The palace is beautiful to see. It invites you to take nice pictures and you can also visit the palace from the inside. The palace is situated on a large green lawn where you can chill out in the shade or in the sun. The palace itself is not very big, but the combination with the beautiful garden makes a visit to this palace really worthwhile! I recommend you to buy your tickets in advance on the official Sintra website. This saves waiting time as it can be very busy in the summer.
Jenny Jacobs-Taylor (2 years ago)
Criminally underrated! Stunning building and surrounding park area. After a chaotic morning in central Sintra and the Palace of Pena, Monserrate was a welcome breath of calming, fresh air. The lawn area by the main building is such a great place to have a picnic, hang out for bit, or roll down the hill like a kid again!
Ruth Lewis (2 years ago)
Wow, what a lovely experience! The palace is absolutely beautiful, the architecture is amazing. In the upstairs floor, you can watch an amazing video about the history of the palace. The gardens and the nature is breathtakingly stunning. The grass hill which leads up to Montseratt Palace is amazing to climb as you see the palace towering above. An amazing experience, I definitely recommend if you are visiting and like to walk around enjoying nature.
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