The Magnificently Colorful Palace Rick Steves Calls 'The Versailles Of Portugal'

Discover Sintra, a lush and storied town 15 miles northwest of Lisbon, on this little known day trip with a treasure trove of sites from Portugal's royal and Moorish past. Perched on the mountainous coastline of Portugal, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a dreamlike destination where history and nature entwine. Lord Byron once called Sintra a "glorious Eden," and it's easy to see why. Mist often shrouds its rocky hills and verdant forests, creating an ethereal atmosphere. Sprinkled with opulent estates, stunning must-see castles, and charming villas, Sintra is a place of fairy tales brought to life.

Its unique microclimate, cooler than Lisbon's sweltering summers, made it the perfect retreat for Portuguese nobility, who escaped here to unwind amidst grand residencies and flourishing gardens. By the 19th century, Sintra became the centerpiece of European Romantic architecture, which transformed the landscape with imagination and artistry. In 1995, UNESCO recognized Sintra's cultural landscape as a World Heritage Site, highlighting its cultural significance and the way nature and human creativity have harmonized here.

Among the area's many wonders, Pena Palace stands as Sintra's crowning jewel. Sitting high above the town on a hill, this vibrant castle is a whimsical masterpiece that Rick Steves fittingly calls "the Versailles of Portugal." A mixture of Gothic, Moorish, Renaissance, and Egyptian styles, the palace is a fantastical blend of colors, history, and grandeur. Once a summer haven for the Portuguese royal family, the palace embodies the dreams of Ferdinand II, known as the "King-Artist," whose vision made this flamboyant fairy tale a reality.

Approaching Pena Palace feels like stepping into a surreal painting. Its vivid yellow and red walls contrast strikingly with the lush greens of the surrounding forest and gardens. The palace, built entirely of stone, features Moorish arches, Renaissance domes, Gothic towers, and ornate turrets. Its eccentric design — reminiscent of a "neo-fortified casserole," as Rick Steves describes — captures the imagination of all who visit. Azulejos, the iconic Portuguese ceramic tiles, adorn the interiors, depicting intricate patterns and historical scenes in brilliant hues. The rooms, preserved almost as they were in the early 1900s, radiate elegance and nostalgia, offering a glimpse into royal life.

Beyond the palace walls lies the enchanting Pena Park, a 494-acre garden conceived as an extension of the palace itself. Ferdinand II's Romantic vision continued throughout this sprawling landscape, where exotic plants from across the globe thrive. Thanks to Sintra's specific microclimate, Mexican cypress, Australian acacias, and towering pines flourish here, creating a botanical wonderland. Visitors can wander through winding paths, cross stone bridges, and discover secluded pergolas and fountains. Every turn reveals something magical, whether it's a hidden sculpture or a breathtaking view of the village below.

The park's design left a lasting impact on European landscape architecture in the 19th century, making it as historically significant as the palace itself. Together, Pena Palace and its gardens form an ensemble of pure Romanticism, blending art, nature, and history into a singularly captivating experience.

While Pena Palace often steals the spotlight, Sintra has several other remarkable sites that make it a sought after destination. At the heart of the town lies the National Palace of Sintra, Portugal's oldest surviving royal palace. Its distinctive twin chimneys rise above the skyline, while its interiors showcase colorful azulejos and ceilings adorned with intricate motifs, including dancing mermaids. Having housed Portuguese royalty for over 500 years, the palace is a living testament to the country's legal history and still used for official receptions today.

On the outskirts of Sintra, Monserrate Palace offers a tranquil escape. This Romantic villa is celebrated for its exotic gardens, home to over 3,000 plant species collected from around the world. Waterfalls, lakes, and intricately designed pathways create a serene environment where nature and artistry coexist in harmony. Monserrate Palace is a quintessential example of Romanticism, rivaling Pena Palace in its beauty and charm. The Moorish Castle, perched on a neighboring hilltop, provides a commanding view of Sintra's rolling hills and the Atlantic Ocean. Built in the 10th century by the Moors, this fortress features twisting granite walls and watchtowers that once safeguarded the region. Walking its battlements, visitors are rewarded with panoramic views of the Sintra Mountains, Pena Palace, and the emerald valleys below. 

From the vibrant hues of Pena Palace to the tranquil beauty of Monserrate and the rugged majesty of the Moorish Castle, this town offers endless wonders to explore. It's no wonder Rick Steves calls it "the Versailles of Portugal." A visit to Sintra is invitation to step into a living fairy tale and check out some of Steves' favorite castles in Europe.