The Palácio de Monserrate: pinnacle of British Romanticism in Portugal

Picturesque Sintra is full of beautiful landmarks and monuments. If you only have limited time, it is important to make a good choice about what you really want to see. The Palácio de Monserrate should be on your agenda if you like exotic sceneries, lavish decoration and lush gardens. Moreover, it is less well-known than the equally extravagant Palácio da Pena, so you will find fewer fellow tourists there.

Romanticism

The history of the Palace of Monserrate dates back to 1540, but what you see today is the result of a remodelling in the second half of the nineteenth century. British merchant Francis Cook bought the estate in 1856 and made it a pinnacle of British Romanticism in Portugal. Cook opted for Gothic and Indian influences, complemented by Moorish accents. You will see geometric motifs, beautiful tiling and very complex ceilings. You would almost forget that you are in Portugal.

Palácio de Monserrate

The palace itself is not large and unfortunately most of the furniture and décor is nowadays spread all over the world. Still, you get an impression of how the Cook family lived here and how important the social gatherings they organized were. On the upper floor, the rooms are set up as a museum, in which you get to know all the stories of the palace.

Parque de Monserrate

The gardens surrounding the palace are filled with plants from all corners of the world. Winding paths lead past waterfalls, towering palm trees, cacti, bamboo, fragrant flowers, centuries-old cork oaks and ferns. You can have a picnic on the huge lawn or sit on benches and enjoy the view. Everywhere you are surrounded by greenery. Finding your way along the marked routes is not so easy, but wandering around randomly is just as much fun.

Practical

For all information about entrance fees and opening hours, please visit the website of Parques de Sintra.
There is a cafeteria on the estate, for a snack and drink.
Take at least two hours to see everything at a pleasant pace.
The Palácio e Parque do Monserrate is located about seven kilometres from the historic centre of Sintra. If you don’t have your own transport, you can take the bus from Sintra. From Lisbon there is a train to Sintra. Find more information about the bus on the Scotturb website.