The Palace of Monserrate (Palácio de Monserrate) is one of the many palaces in Sintra, a historic town about 40 minutes outside of Lisbon, Portugal. It's located 3.5 km to the west of the historic center of Sintra.
Although it’s not as visited as the famous National Palace of Pena, Quinta da Regaleira, and National Palace of Sintra, this palace is definitely worth a visit!
A Brief History
When Sir Francis Cook, a wealthy English merchant, purchased the Quinta de Monserrate in 1863, all that was left was the ruins of a neo-Gothic castle, built by Gerard de Visme.
The Viscount of Monserrate, a title bestowed on Francis Cook by King D. Louis, started to work with the architect James Knowles The Palace became the summer residence of the Cook family.
The Viscount of Monserrate, a title bestowed on Francis Cook by King D. Louis, started to work with the architect James Knowles The Palace became the summer residence of the Cook family.
The Palace
The design was influenced by Romanticism and Mudéjar Moorish Revival architecture with neo-Gothic elements. The eclecticism is a fine example of Romanticism present in Sintra in other palaces.
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A beautifully carved three-dimensional door leading into the library.
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The Grounds
The palace terrace leads out into the grounds of the property. It is designed in a romantic style with a lake, several fountains, grottoes, and is surrounded by lush greenery.
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The Gardens
Flowers are one of my favorite things, and the many types of flora in the gardens didn't disappoint. I had quite a lot of fun photographing these. Check out the slideshow below.
How to Get There
Once you arrive in Sintra, exit the train station and turn right. You can catch the 435 tourist bus (departs every 20 minutes between 9:30am and 7:50pm in the summer, and 9:30am and 6:10pm at other times of the year) or the 1253 local bus (follows a circular route around western Sintra, and the journey to the Cabo da Roca).
Opening Hours and Ticket Prices
The Palace of Monserrate is open every day, from 9:30 am to 6:30 pm. The last ticket sold at 5:30 pm and the last entry is at 6 pm.
As for the Park of Monserrate, it’s also open every day, but from 9 am to 7 pm. And both the last ticket and entry are at 6 pm.
Adults Ticket (18-64 years old) costs €8, while the Youths Ticket (6-17 years old) costs €6.50. There’s also a Seniors Ticket (for people over 65), at the same price as the Youths Ticket, as well as a Family Ticket (2 adults + 2 young people) for €26.
Tickets can be purchased online at Parques de Sintra to receive a 5% discount of above prices.
Info as of May 2023. Be sure to check their website for any updated hours/pricing.
As for the Park of Monserrate, it’s also open every day, but from 9 am to 7 pm. And both the last ticket and entry are at 6 pm.
Adults Ticket (18-64 years old) costs €8, while the Youths Ticket (6-17 years old) costs €6.50. There’s also a Seniors Ticket (for people over 65), at the same price as the Youths Ticket, as well as a Family Ticket (2 adults + 2 young people) for €26.
Tickets can be purchased online at Parques de Sintra to receive a 5% discount of above prices.
Info as of May 2023. Be sure to check their website for any updated hours/pricing.
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