A walk in the past

Sintra at 15 kms from Cascais is the witness of the extravaganza of wealth during several centuries of power starting from the moors in the 8th century who installed a mighty forteress up hill. Their influence is reflected in all the old buildings of the city. Its centuries old mansions are a reminder of a city of power and other houses built later in the 16 and 17 th centuries show how Sintra became a resort summer place for the royal families when the power definietely was transferred to Lisbon.
The Royal Palace is an extraordinary proof of the massive moor influence with its delicate and subtil architecture, arch, tiles and fontains. Used as a royal palace from the 15 th to 16 th century, parts have been added, modified to suit the fashion of the time. Tiles and colors of moors style is mixed with the flashy gold trimming and painting of the 16 th century. It is regal for the eyes and imagination to walk through the huge palace and its numerous rooms which is a showcase for priceless pieces of furniture. Two enormous chemineys, quite incongrous have been added by one of the king to air the pristine huge white tiled kitchen. Everywhere in town the eye is sollicited by a beautifully tiled wall, an old roof a sinewy street and the luxurious vegetation. Of course, we wander in the back streets around the old town where we found some well hidden villas and mansion of the last centuries with rich gardens guarded by big stone walls. Down the valley the vegetation is mixed and very rich. The forteress de Los Moros above seems to guard this little paradise.