In the 19th century Sintra became the first centre of European Romantic architecture. Ferdinand II turned a ruined monastery into a castle where this new sensitivity was displayed in the use of Gothic, Egyptian, Moorish and Renaissance elements and in the creation of a park blending local and exotic species of trees. Other fine dwellings, built along the same lines in the surrounding serra , created a unique combination of parks and gardens which influenced the development of landscape architecture throughout Europe.
Criteria for inclusion as a World Heritage Site
| # | ||
|---|---|---|
| ii | To exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design. | All |
| iv | To be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history. | All |
| v | To be an outstanding example of a traditional human settlement, land-use, or sea-use which is representative of a culture (or cultures), or human interaction with the environment especially when it has become vulnerable under the impact of irreversible change. | All |
Nearby
Sites
| Name | Since | Distance | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Cork Convent | 2019 | 1.8km | site_ao | ||
| Boca do Inferno | 2012 | 10.3km | site_ao | ||
| Castelo dos Mouros (Castle of the Moors) | 2016 | 2.8km | site_ao | ||
| Pena National Palace | 2015 | 2.3km | site_ao | ||
| Quinta da Regaleira | 2012 | 2.3km | site_ao | ||
Ursa Beach  | 2019 | 6.6km | site_ao | ||
| The mysterious inverted tower steeped in Templar myth | 2020 | 2.3km | post |
About the source: UNESCO
Within UNESCO's broad remit, this specialised agency of the UN works towards international cooperation agreements to secure the world's cultural and natural heritage, designating venues of exceptional value as World Heritage Sites.