Monserrate Palace (Palacio de Monserrate)
Sintra, Portugal, 2710-405
High in the forested hills of Sintra, Monserrate Palace blends Gothic, Moorish, and Indian influences into one striking summer retreat. Once a getaway for the Portuguese court, the palace is known for its fairytale architecture—complete with domes, fountains, a grand library, and intricate stonework. After exploring the interiors, head outside to discover the surrounding botanical gardens, home to exotic plant species from around the world and considered among the most impressive in Europe.
The Basics
The 19th-century Monserrate Palace is often considered a hidden gem because of its eclectic design and beautiful garden, and it is generally overshadowed by Sintra’s over-the-top National Palace of Pena and mysterious Quinta da Regaleira. Tours from Lisbon to Sintra generally include visits to Monserrate Palace, other palaces in the area, Cabo da Roca (the westernmost point of mainland Europe), and the seaside village of Cascais. For a more intimate experience, book a private tour to explore Sintra’s villas, palaces, and castles.
Things to Know Before You Go
Monserrate Palace is a must for architecture lovers and Portuguese history buffs.
Most visitors spend about two hours exploring the palace before heading to Cabo da Roca and Cascais.
Sintra is chillier and windier than coastal Lisbon, so it is advised to bring a jacket.
Those with limited mobility may find Monserrate Palace difficult to navigate, as there are inclined paths from the front of the parking lot to the palace entrance.
How to Get There
The easiest way to explore Monserrate Palace is through an organized day trip from Lisbon, about 19 miles (30 kilometers) away. Alternatively, take the Sintra train line from Lisbon’s Rossio, Oriente, or Entrecampos station; from the Sintra train station, take the Scotturb 435 bus to Monserrate Palace. If driving, there is limited on-site parking including two spaces for disabled visitors.
When to Get There
The palace is open from 9:30am to 7pm in the warmer months and 10am to 6pm in cooler months. It is advised to visit Sintra during May, June, September, or October, when the weather is cooler and there are fewer tourists. Monserrate Palace is quietest in the morning, as the majority of visitors come in the afternoon after exploring the other Sintra palaces.
The Home of Englishmen
The hilltop of Monserrate Palace has been inhabited since the mid-1500s, but a palace was built only after the 1755 earthquake. The structure we see today is a culmination of many iterations of the palace made by its various inhabitants, most notably English novelist William Beckford and English art collector Sir Francis Cook, who laid out the lush gardens and contributed to the palace’s eclectic design.
Ways to explore
Monserrate Palace is often visited alongside other palaces in Sintra, such as Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira. These tours also sometimes showcase the seaside village of Cascais and the westernmost point of mainland Europe—Cabo da Roca. A day tour typically includes round-trip transportation from Lisbon, as well as admission to attractions along the way. For a more intimate experience, book a private tour with transportation all to yourself and the flexibility to customize the itinerary to suit your interests and preferred schedule.
Accessibility
The palace is partially wheelchair-accessible, with a ramped route, manual wheelchairs available to rent, and accessible restrooms.
Age limits
None
What to pack
Small bag, bottled water, camera, sun protection
What to wear
Comfortable walking shoes, layered clothing, hat
Not allowed
Littering, going off designated pathways, picking plants
Amenities
Shop, tea house, ticket office
Address
Monserrate Palace is located in the town of Sintra, around a 40-minute drive from Lisbon. Many travelers come here by train, but it’s also convenient to come on a guided sightseeing tour.
Driving
It takes approximately 50 minutes to travel from Lisbon to Sintra via the IC19 road. The palace is on the road that connects Sintra’s town center to Colares (EN375), and there’s limited parking nearby.
Public transportation
To get from Lisbon to Sintra using public transportation, take a Sintra Line train from either Oriente, Rossio, or Entrecampos stations. Disembark at the Sintra station, and hire a cab to the palace, around a 17-minute drive away.
Best times to visit
Get to the palace in the morning, ideally close to opening time, to avoid the busy afternoon crowds.
Best days to visit
The palace is open throughout the week, and weekdays tend to offer quieter visits. Aim for Mondays through Wednesdays, if you can.
Best months to visit
The best months to visit are May, June, and September, when you can escape the peak summer crowds and heat.
Special events
Jazz fans flock to Jazz at Monserrate—typically in September—which offers a multi-day schedule of live jazz performances on-site.
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