Enchanting Sintra: A Fairy-tale Town in Portugal

• HelloOlá
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdeus
  [ah-deh-oos]
• YesSim
  [seem]
• NoNão
  [now]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-vohr/deh nah-dah]
• Thank youObrigado/a
  [oh-bree-gah-doo/ah]
• Excuse me/SorryCom licença/Desculpe
  [kohm lee-sehn-sah/dehs-kool-peh]
• How are you?Como está?
  [koh-moh ehs-tah]
• Fine. And you?Bem. E você?
  [behn/eh voh-seh]
• Do you speak English?Fala inglês?
  [fah-lah een-glehsh]
• I don't understandNão entendo
  [now ehn-tehn-doo]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseGostaria de ver o menu, por favor
  [goh-stah-ree-ah deh vehr ooh meh-noo/por fah-vohr]
• I don't eat meatNão como carne
  [now koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!Saúde!
  [sah-oo-deh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseGostaria de pagar, por favor
  [goh-stah-ree-ah deh pah-gahr/por fah-vohr]

• Help!Socorro!
  [soh-koh-roo]
• Go away!Vai-te embora!
  [vah-ee-teh ehm-boh-rah]
• Call the Police!Chame a Polícia!
  [shah-meh ah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!Chame um médico!
  [shah-meh oohm meh-dee-koo]
• I'm lostEstou perdido/a
  [ehs-toh pehr-dee-doo/ah]
• I'm illEstou doente
  [ehs-toh doo-ehn-teh]

• I'd like to buy...Gostaria de comprar...
  [goh-stah-ree-ah deh kohm-prahr]
• I'm just lookingEstou só a ver
  [ehs-toh soh ah vehr]
• How much is it?Quanto custa?
  [kwan-toh koos-tah]
• That's too expensiveIsso é demasiado caro
  [ee-soh eh deh-mah-see-ah-doo kah-roo]
• Can you lower the price?Pode baixar o preço?
  [poh-deh bahy-shahr ooh preh-soo]

• What time is it?Que horas são?
  [keh oh-rahz sah-ooh]
• It's one o'clockÉ uma hora
  [eh oo-mah oh-rah]
• Half past (10)Meia hora
  [may-ah oh-rah]
• MorningManhã
  [mahn-yah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoite
  [noy-teh]
• YesterdayOntem
  [ohn-tehm]
• TodayHoje
  [oh-zheh]
• TomorrowAmanhã
  [ah-mahn-yah]
• 1Um
  [oom]
• 2Dois
  [doh-eez]
• 3Três
  [trehs]
• 4Quatro
  [kwah-troo]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koo]
• 6Seis
  [saysh]
• 7Sete
  [seh-teh]
• 8Oito
  [oy-too]
• 9Nove
  [noh-veh]
• 10Dez
  [dehz]

• Where's a/the...?Onde está um/o...
  [ohn-deh ehs-tah oom/oh]
• What's the address?Qual é o endereço?
  [kahl eh ooh ehn-deh-reh-soo]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pode mostrar-me (no mapa)?
  [poh-deh mohs-trahr-meh/noo mah-pah]
• When's the next (bus)?Quando é o próximo (autocarro)?
  [kwan-doo eh ooh proh-kshee-moh/ow-toh-kah-roo]
• A ticket (to ....)Um bilhete (para ...)
  [oom beel-eh-teh/pah-rah]

The Castle of the Moors, perched high on the hills of Sintra, is a testament to the region's Moorish past. Built in the 8th and 9th centuries by the Moors during their occupation of the Iberian Peninsula, the castle served as a strategic military outpost. Its robust stone walls and panoramic views of the surrounding lands were crucial for defense. The castle's strategic importance continued even after the Christian reconquest in the 12th century, when it was captured by King Afonso I in 1147.

Sintra's transformation into a royal sanctuary began in earnest during the reign of King John I in the late 14th century. The monarch ordered the construction of the Royal Palace, known today as the Sintra National Palace. This palace became a favored summer retreat for Portuguese royalty, who were drawn to Sintra's cool climate and lush landscapes. The palace's distinctive twin chimneys and intricate tile work stand as symbols of this period, reflecting both Moorish and Manueline architectural influences.

One of Sintra's most iconic landmarks, the Pena Palace, is a prime example of 19th-century Romanticism and Manueline architecture. Commissioned by King Ferdinand II, the palace was constructed on the ruins of an old monastery and completed in 1854. With its eclectic style, vibrant colors, and fairy-tale turrets, Pena Palace embodies the Romantic ideals of the time. It also incorporates elements of Manueline architecture, characterized by intricate maritime motifs and lavish ornamentation, celebrating Portugal's Age of Discoveries.

Quinta da Regaleira, an enigmatic estate near the center of Sintra, was built in the early 20th century by António Augusto Carvalho Monteiro. Designed by Italian architect Luigi Manini, this UNESCO World Heritage site is renowned for its mystical symbolism and elaborate gardens. The estate features a palace, chapel, and an extensive network of tunnels and grottoes. The Initiation Well, with its spiral staircase descending into the earth, is particularly notable for its ties to Masonic rituals and alchemical symbolism.

Sintra has long been a source of inspiration for writers, poets, and artists. Lord Byron, the famous British poet, visited Sintra in the early 19th century and described it as a 'glorious Eden' in his epic poem 'Childe Harold's Pilgrimage.' The town's romantic landscapes and historic sites have also attracted other notable figures such as Hans Christian Andersen and William Beckford. This cultural heritage continues to thrive, with numerous art galleries, museums, and cultural events celebrating Sintra's artistic legacy.

In 1995, the cultural landscape of Sintra was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognizing its unique blend of natural and cultural elements. This status has helped to preserve Sintra's historical landmarks and natural beauty, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy its splendor. Conservation efforts have been vital in maintaining the integrity of sites such as the Sintra National Palace, Pena Palace, and the Castle of the Moors, as well as the town's lush parks and gardens.

Sintra is located approximately 30 kilometers northwest of Lisbon, Portugal's capital. The most convenient way to reach Sintra is by taking a direct train from Lisbon's Rossio Station, which takes about 40 minutes. Alternatively, you can drive; the journey via the A37 highway typically takes around 30-40 minutes. There are also several bus services that operate between Lisbon and Sintra.

Once in Sintra, the town is well connected by a network of public buses and taxis. The Scotturb bus service offers routes to major attractions like the Pena Palace, Moorish Castle, and Quinta da Regaleira. For a more leisurely experience, consider renting an electric bike or using tuk-tuk services for short distances. Walking is also a viable option for exploring the town center and its immediate surroundings.

The official currency in Portugal is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops in Sintra. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and street vendors. ATMs are readily available throughout the town for cash withdrawals.

Sintra is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, as with any tourist area, petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded places such as train stations and popular tourist sites. It is advisable to keep an eye on your belongings and avoid isolated areas at night. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but general vigilance is always recommended.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. There are local police stations and medical facilities available in Sintra. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are also available for over-the-counter medications. The main hospital in the region is Hospital de Cascais, located about a 20-minute drive from Sintra.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and wear good walking shoes, as Sintra's terrain can be hilly and uneven. Avoid overly casual attire when dining in upscale restaurants. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting churches and religious sites. Public Transport: Do be respectful and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake or a friendly 'Olá.' Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies like 'travesseiros' and 'queijadas'. Don't rush through meals; dining is often a leisurely experience.

To experience Sintra like a local, visit the Mercado da Vila, where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Portuguese goods. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about Sintra's history and culture. Take a stroll through the lesser-known areas like the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park for a more tranquil experience. For a unique treat, try the local pastries from Piriquita bakery, a favorite among residents.