We started out on a rainy, cool day in Lisbon.  The streets were glistening and shiny as we made our way to the train station.   Streets of LisbonRain and wind results in Lisbon Train travel in European countries is such a calming and pleasurable experience.  The stations and the trains are well maintained.  There is beautiful artwork on the walls and all around the stations that represent the region and history of the location.  And the train is one of the most efficient ways to get around.   Train station in LisbonTrain to Sintra

The train to Sintra provided us with superb views of the Lisbon suburbs, countryside and towns of southern Portugal.  As we continued on our 40 minute journey from Lisbon to Sintra, we prepared for what we were about to see.  

Upon arrival in Sintra, a very small, quaint historical town, we immediately felt the cool breezes and the fresh, clean air of the region.  We understood why many of the kings and queens of Portugal chose this area to cool down during the summer months.  It was like a storybook town with views for miles.  The greenery, the quaintness of the town, took us back in time.  From there, we hopped on a little bus that took us up the mountain to our first stop, the castle ruins.  

The castle, built by the Moors during the 8th and 9th centuries was where wars were fought to 'own' this region of the country.  It was a strategic placement and has been preserved for us to see and experience the history that took place here.  Arriving at the ruins, it was cold and rainy.  We weren't prepared for this, so we needed to bundle up and add a few extra layers.  We climbed up to the top of the battlement to see the view that many soldiers would have seen hundreds of years ago.  The quietness was what impacted me most.  As we strolled around the historic site, we could not help but imagine what it would have been like for the people, hundreds of years ago to live, work and protect their country from this high on the hill spot.  It was all designed with protection in mind.  

Pena PalaceColors that contrast of Pena Palace, Sintra.

And then on to the Pena Palace, the Palace where the kings and queens of Portugal spent their summers. If you are into historical architecture, then this is a  wow moment for Portugal.  Built in the Romanistic style, the Palace sits high on the hill in the Sintra Mountains and on a clear day, can be seen from Lisbon.  It is a mix of vividly painted terraces and battlements that are contrasted by the green forests and lands around it. As with many places in Portugal, it is made up of beautiful tile work.  From the grand entrances to the lovely courtyards, the tiles are magnificent.  The artistry that goes into producing each and every tile is unique.   

Inside the Palace, was designed for the royal families that made this home during the summer months to cool off from the cities.  The artwork was sublime, but for me, more important and beautiful was the lighting and chandeliers.  

I was moved by the beauty and peacefulness of the place.  The artistry that went into building this palace is inspirational. The colors, the structure, the flow of the rooms, and the grandeur of it would have been an inspiration to kings, queens and the like.  

The views from the Palace were spectacular as well.  You could see for miles and miles. Down to the surrounding villages and to the sea.  

Bottom line, when visiting Lisbon, make the day trip to Sintra.  It is well worth the trip. 

To see more of our Sintra exploration - check out the full gallery.