Caught the train to Sintra yesterday. The main train station in Lisbon just happens to be next to Rossio Square so very convenient – staying in this location has been excellent. The trip took us through the suburbs of Lisbon, lots of apartment blocks close to the train line. High density living. Sintra is only just beyond the outer suburbs – hardly a gap – but still has a very strong, distinct identity. We arrived and caught a tourist bus that did a loop from the train station, up to the village centre, then higher again into the Parque Natural de Sintra-Cascais – the local national park – and back again. It was one of those hop on-hop off things and worked really well. A little bit hairy being on a bus going up and down challenging mountain roads but all was well. We briefly stopped at the village centre and had a walk through the very steep narrow streets before hopping on the bus again and heading up to the main purpose of our visit. Sitting on top of the Sintra Hills is the Palácio da Pena – an amazing royal palace. It was originally a monastery but was bought by King Ferdinand ll in 1838 and totally revamped. Wonderful bright colours, mosaic tiles, several large outer courtyards with magnificent views, vaulted and ornate ceilings. Lots of household rooms to look at – a real sense of life in the palace during the 1800’s. Spent ages walking around – more stairs to climb, lots of different levels. Had some lunch in the palace restaurant – succumbed again to the pastéis de nata – the local custard tarts. Hard to resist! With happy tummies and tired legs we caught the bus back to the Sintra train station and headed home. Thoroughly enjoyed our day out.
Today was a stay in our local area day. We walked up more winding streets and many many steps to the top of the hill near Castelo de Sao Jorg – an old fort that looks over Lisbon. Not much left of it these days. We then made our way down again – different route, different streets. Nice just to wander along. Later on we visited the local Port Museum – crossed Rossio Square and climbed up into the side streets on the other side. Everywhere you go there are more steps and hills to navigate. Part of life in Lisbon. Didn’t end up tasting any ports but it was nice to check things out.
We’ve enjoyed looking at the architecture in Lisbon. Lots of tall terraced houses – many with beautifully tiled facades. Even if they’re a bit on the faded side they still have a special charm. Heaps of houses are being renovated – cranes and plastic sheeting everywhere. It’s great to see the outside character being maintained even if the inside is being gutted. And most are being really gutted!! We have workmen banging hammers etc at the moment in the house opposite us. Would love to come back one day and see the results of their work.
Off to Liverpool tomorrow, then the ferry to Belfast the next day.
Love
Di and Reg
This entry was posted in Europe, Portugal
What a lovely place – and some great photography! I love the one of Reg with a cheeky smile as he munches on his custard tart!
Not very impressed with whoever is supposed to do the dusting at the Port museum, though. Lol.
ha ha!!