The ancient history of Paço da Vila de Sintra begins during the Muslim rule in the Iberian Peninsula. Already mentioned in the 11th century, the primitive Moorish palace - owned by the Portuguese crown after the conquest of Lisbon by D. Afonso Henriques (1147), 1st King of Portugal - is intervened for the first time in 1281, during the reign of D. Dinis. New construction bodies are added over time, under the reigns of D. Dinis, D. João I and D. Manuel I, maintaining their silhouette since the middle of the 16th century.Quinta da Regaleira is one of the most amazing monuments in the Serra de Sintra. Located at the end of the historic center of the village, it was built between 1904 and 1910, in the last period of the monarchy.
The romantic domains formerly belonging to Viscondessa da Regaleira, were acquired and expanded by Dr. António Augusto Carvalho Monteiro (1848-1920) to found his place of choice. Holder of a prodigious fortune, which earned him the nickname Monteiro dos Milhões, he associated with his unique architecture and landscape project the creative genius of the Italian architect and scenographer Luigi Manini (1848-1936) as well as the mastery of sculptors, gardeners and carvers who had worked with him at the Palace Hotel in Buçaco.If you go to Sintra, you cannot miss a visit to the westernmost point of Continental Europe, Cabo da Roca.
Located at latitude 38º 47´ North and longitude 9º 30´ West, Cabo da Roca is an important coordinate for those who sail along the coast, being the westernmost point of the continental European continent, a fact confirmed by the certificate that visitors take as recall.
About 150 meters from the sea, here you can have a comprehensive view of the Serra de Sintra and the coast, which makes it worth the visit.
Historical records point to the existence of a fort in Cabo da Roca in the 19th century. XVII that had an important role in the guard of the entrance of Lisbon, forming a defensive line along the coast, mainly during the Peninsular Wars. Currently, there are only traces, in addition to the lighthouse which remains an important point for navigation.
It is integrated in the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park and is one of the reasons for the interest of the walking routes that can be done here along the coast.Azenhas do Mar is a village on the coast of the municipality of Sintra, parish of Colares. The place developed along the Cameijo stream, which flows into the Atlantic and breaks the cliffs of the coast, and in which there were watermills (hence the name), has at the base a beach in which there is an oceanic pool.
In addition to the picturesque natural landscape, there are several buildings of interest in Azenhas, particularly in the Smooth Portuguese Style, namely with tiles on the facades, such as the school and the residence for the teacher.
