Discover Sintra’s Hidden Gems: Monserrate Palace and Its Enchanting Gardens

For most, the first location that comes to mind when someone mentions Sintra, is Pena Palace. The vibrant, colorful summer home of Ferdinand II and Queen Maria II.

But Sintra is actually filled with dozens of beautiful lesser-known palaces, parks, and summer getaways that once belonged to Portuguese royalty and the foreign elite.

One of these foreigners was Francis Cook, who in 1863 became the owner of the Estate of Monserrate and the 1st Viscount of Monserrate. The palace had been left abandoned in 1799. Cook commissioned the construction of the place that combines Gothic and Indian influences with Moresque suggestions.

The property is spread over 350 acres, with several waterfalls, lily ponds, exotic tropical plants, and traditional European flower gardens. Monserrate is considered one of the most diverse botanical gardens in Portugal.

In 1949, the Portuguese government acquired the property, and in 2000 the management was handed over to Parques de Sintra. Restoration of the property led to the reopening of the palace in 2010. During the period from 2010 to 2016, the restoration took place under full view of visitors.

Getting there from Lisbon

We traveled on the Blue Line to the Jardim Zoológico metro stop. From there, you should follow the signs to Autocarros longo curso / Comboios.

You’ll find yourself at Sete Rios train station, where you’ll take the train toward Sintra. If you have a Navegante card, you can swipe this at one of the green and red card reading machines.

Ride the train all the way to the end of the line - the village of Sintra. Depart the train and find your way to the bus stop for bus number 1253. If you’re a resident and have a Carris Navegante card, then you can swipe it on this bus. If you’re unsure if your metro card will work, then carry some cash with you. The fare is €2.60.

Exit the bus at the Pq Monserrate Stop. If you didn’t buy tickets ahead of time, the ticket booth is just inside the gate of the park. At the time of writing, tickets to Monserrate Park and Palace are €13.00 per person.

You made it! Now enjoy your time winding through the beautiful gardens of the park. You’ll eventually find your way to the palace itself. Head inside and immerse yourself in the intricate stonework and read all about the history of the building and park.