National Palace - Sintra
Introduction
The National Palace of Sintra is located at the Praça Republic (the Republic Square) in Sintra town. Sometimes this palace is called the Town Palace. An old Muslim palace had existed here till Lisbon was conquered by Afonso Henriques (Afonso I), the first King of Portugal in 1147.
The interior of the palace is a mix of Moorish and Manueline styles, with arabesque courtyards. In front of the National Palace of Sintra, just beyond the town lies the Monte da Lua (Mountain of the Moon). To one side of the palace, there is a sudden drop and it creates a small valley with the few houses inside the valley.
A painting inside the palace was named as “Battle against Turks” probably this is one of many battles fought by the Portuguese and the Ottomans. From the ground floor, Stairs lead to upper parts of the palace, into the Archers’ Room.
The palace was first expanded by Dom Dinis (1261–1325), enlarged by Joao I in the 15th century. The construction style of the Swan’s Room is Manueline and azulejos are used on the walls of the room. Magpie Room (Sala das Pegas) is next to the Swans’ Room and room is named because its ceiling is emblazoned with magpies. It is said that in this room, the king John I was caught in the act of kissing a lady-in-waiting by his queen.
The Gold Chamber has the bedroom of King Sebastian, it’s name comes from the fact that it was decorated with the golden colours. This room was built at the start of the 15th century. The Mermaid Room was known as the Wardrobe at the beginning of the 15th century. The present murals on the ceiling comes from the 18th century.
After the Mermaid Room comes the Julius Cesar Room, it is named after the famous Roman leader, Cesar. There are many historical objects displayed inside the Julius Cesar. The Crown Chamber gets its name from a painting of a crown on its ceiling from the 18th century. The Galleon Room displays few items which may belong to the palace. Galleon ships are also painted on the ceiling of the room, hence they give name to this room. The Galleon Room is a long narrow room with paintings displayed on its walls. Priest’s Room is a very small space tucked away, next to a garden. Next to the Priest’s Room lies the Corridor of Coat of Arms.
Coat of Arms Room (Sala dos Brasoes) has probably one of the most elaborate ceiling in the palace. The walls of the Coat of Arms Room (Blazons Hall) are decorated with azulejos. The ceiling, with its octagonal dome, is actually its most spectacular feature, with the royal Portuguese coat of arms, framed by a winged dragon, at its very top.
The Chinese Room (Sala Chinesa) is named after an ivory pagoda from the 18th century. The chapel was built during the reign of King Dinis at the start of the 14th century. The ceiling of this chapel has Islamic architectural influence.
The Arab Room (Sala dos Arabes) was built at the beginning of the 15th century. The Moorish fountain and tile revetment date from the beginning of the 16th century. The Guest Room of the Sintra Palace was used at the privy chamber of Joao I. It was the most personal room which only the monarch had access.
The Manueline Hall was built by Manuel I at the beginning of the 16th century. The last major work here took place in 1930s. The Royal Kitchen of the Palace has two famous whitewashed chimneys. A Royal Coat of Arms inside one of the chimneys. Originally, this kitchen was separate from the rest of the palace, built in the 15th century.
