+ Experience Sintra in a different way, looking beyond what things are today
+ Feel Sintra's History through the old medieval chronicles and documents
+ Be accompanied by the sensibility, the eyes and the words of Miguel Boim, writer and Historian, author of "Sintra Legendary" (on its 2nd edition) - lectures and speeches on Sintra's history to more than 12K people (as to 2018 data)
+ You may feel like you have related to Sintra's History and Heritage.
In the Historic Center (being a day walk, you will, inevitably, see numerous people in the beginning) you'll meet Sintra's foremost history researcher, Miguel Boim, who will tell you how Sintra's Castle, the hills, the valleys and the Royal Palace were in the past.
In the last centuries several such tried - among the folk - to explain the origin of how some medieval names have come to be like they are. The true origins are found far behind in time, with some still being untraceable today, while others are just in front of our comprehension. The difference between the tales and the true History is also going to be made by Miguel Boim, although some of the true History (or anotations of the distant past) can seem fictional today.
After learning some accounts of interest about the theme, we'll enter a more quiet area, while slowly climbing the hills.
On our way to the Castle, we will find Sintra legends and such that it intends to revive the medieval past of what is historically known as "Reconquest" ("Reconquest"). You will learn more about it, since it is essential to feel the true spirit of the arabic fortress that existed here, as well as understand why we see this stone fortification today. And which flags were flown by last, in the Castle? You are probably going to feel surprised.
From the top, from one of the watchpoints of the Kingdom, we will see - through the information that Miguel Boim will transmit you, based on the study of the old portuguese and medieval chronicles -, well-known knights of Portuguese History in the fields around the Mountains.
Monks living in a dishonest manner, barbers forced to take arms and also neighbors with cunning plans; walking under the carpet made of treetops of Sintra - and still feeling the snorting of the horses - you will know the "Legends and Medieval Stories of Sintra".
The terrain will be irregular in some parts, but nothing to person with no impairment can not handle. The effort implied is equivalent to a stroll around Sintra's Historical Center for the whole afternoon.
In some parts there will be more stops for you to enjoy the landscape, having in view some important monuments in the distance (the Castle, Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, Sintra National Palace and others) as well as the Atlantic Ocean also in the distance).
In the way back (it is a circular route) and before arriving at the Historic Center you will see the sights that will take your eyes not only in the distance but also in the past in which all that surround us was different. Upon your return to the Historic Center you will have the opportunity to visit it in the evening and, therefore, more calmly than during the day among the crowd.
The walk (about 7 kilometers, in about 5 hours, in regular and irregular terrain) will end at the Historic Center.
The meeting point will be at the entrance of a public garden. In the tiles on the left side of the gate you will read "Parque da Liberdade" and on the right side other tiles with "Patrimony of the Municipality of Sintra". Miguel Boim will be one of those tile plates.
Sintra is a picturesque town on the Portuguese Riviera, known for its 19th-century Romanticist castles, palaces, and lush gardens. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a fairytale-like atmosphere with its unique blend of history, architecture, and natural beauty.
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A traditional pastry filled with various ingredients like meat, cheese, or sweets.
A classic Portuguese dish made with shredded cod, eggs, and thinly fried potatoes.
A famous Portuguese custard tart with a flaky pastry crust.
Grilled sardines, a popular dish in coastal regions.
These months offer the best weather with pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists compared to the summer peak.
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Sintra is a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere.
Sintra Station
Lisbon Sete Rios Bus Station
Trains are the most efficient way to get around Sintra and its attractions.
Available • Apps: Uber, Bolt
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