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Sintra, owing to the beauty and magic of its natural surroundings has, for centuries, played a leading role in tourist development in Portugal. This has particularly been the case since the last quarter of the 18th century when Sintra became one of the most sought after destinations in Portugal, owing to the growing natural desire of travelers for exotic locations with a strong local culture.
This demand has been fulfilled by the construction of hotels, several of which were truly magnificent for the time in question. The tourist structures and amenities to be found in the municipal district of Sintra are fully equipped for satisfying the most demanding of visitors in the tradition of true local hospitality.
In addition to top class hotels, equipped with leisure and sporting facilities (tennis, golf, horse riding, etc...) to smaller, more accessible hotels which also provide a high quality service, including traditional local boarding houses, inns and guest houses, Sintra is also able to offer, as part of its Rural Tourism (i.e. Country Homes) scene, a relaxing stay in very comfortable manor houses or chalets, set within the magnificent environmental and cultural scenery of the Sintra mountain range.
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Nowadays, the word Quinta means a “Farm”, with cultivated land and large house where the owner lives. However, the origin of the word goes back many years to the days when a fifth of property belonged to the king. This word has a particular meaning in Sintra where, rather than conjuring up images of productive farms, it represents the concentration of approximately 200 quintas on this small mountain range, notable for their architecture and historical interest.
The oldest Quinta dates from 13th century, and it was the Portuguese Royal family who inspired their construction and function as summer residences. King D.Diniz (1279-1325) established his summer residence here because of the cool summer breezes from the Atlantic and the temperate climate, and had built the National Palace in the Vila Velha (Old Village) on Moorish foundations. Soon the King’s example was followed by many Portuguese aristocrats who wished to accompany the King during his 3 month summer stay here and in turn built their quintas throughout the Serra.
In the 19th century Sintra attracted many foreign settles such as the Dutch Consul, Daniel Giedemeester, Sir Francis Cook and other who wished to follow the example of Portuguese aristocratic families and all of whom regarded Sintra as one of the wonders of the world.
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Sintra is located near the westernmost point of continental Europe, northwest of Lisbon at 1600 ft. above sea level. The name Sintra derives from Cynthia, Goddess of the Moon, who was worshipped here, on this small mountain range, by Celts. Sintra is greatly admired by the Portuguese people, since it is a freak of nature in that it possesses a climate and vegetation not common in Southern Europe. Rich in history and tradition, Sintra with its romantic atmosphere has been lauded by many writers, painters and artists who have spread the fame of this “Glorious Eden” to every corner of the world. |
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