Monserrate Palace: Skip The Line Entry Ticket
Explore a palace that many feel is the most romantic in Portugal
- Monserrate Palace: Skip The Line Entry Ticket
- Access to the park
Monserrate Palace Tickets and Information
- Monserrate Palace Address: Sintra, 2710-405, Sintra
- Opening Hours: Daily: 09:30 - 18:30
Is Monserrate Palace Worth Visiting
- If you enjoy visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites, then yes, definitely.
- An incredible private house with amazing architecture.
What You See At Monserrate Palace in Sintra
- The house and former chapel
- The park
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About Monserrate Palace
A trip to Lisbon isn't complete until you've visited Sintra, as its one of the most beautiful cities in Portugal in our opinion. Sintra is home to several beautiful properties that are open to the public and one of which is Monserrate Palace & Park. The property, which is at the foot of the 'Serra de Sintra' (a mountain range), has evolved from a 16th-century chapel that was originally dedicated to Our Lady of Monserrate, into the private house and gardens that it is today.
The house has been owned by several people including English writer and art collector, William Beckford, and then Sir Francis Cook, an English Baronet, who commissioned the current design, which now includes several different architectural styles including Romantic, Gothic and Islamic.
Inside the house you will find various rooms to explore with opulent décor, detailed stuccos, intricate wood work and beautiful stained glass windows. You can see:
- Entrance Hall: As you enter the property you pass through this room which is an octagonal shape and has various doors leading off it. See the painted arches and the central fountain.
- Dining Room: See the room that used to be used for formal meals, again with elegant décor showing the styles of the time.
- Library: Home to an extensive collection of books and which reflect the owners of the past and the palace's history.
- Sitting Room: The sitting room furnishings are designed with comfort but still elegant.
- Music Room: Designed to have excellent acoustics but again note the ceiling with its ornate decorations. The music room would have also been used to entertain guests.
- Kitchen: You can see how the workings of the kitchen were at the time.
- The outside of the house: You will find domes and towers and delicate stonework which is covered with exotic motifs.
You can also enjoy a stroll through the gardens of this unique UNESCO World Heritage site (part of the Cultural Landscape of Sintra UNESCO listing). You will also find rare plant species from around the world as you wonder around the forest-like gardens, which are full of colour and fragrance. Discover the beautiful lake, the elegant fountains, the natural springs, and the mysterious grottoes - perfect for photo opportunities.
We don't think you will be disappointed if you decide to visit Monserrate Palace & Gardens.
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Monserrate Palace FAQs
- What is Monserrate Palace in Sintra?
- Monserrate Palace is a 19th-century Romantic-style palace in Sintra which is surrounded by beautiful gardens with exotic plants from around the world.
- Who built Monserrate Palace?
- The current palace was designed by British architect James Knowles Jr. for Francis Cook, a wealthy British merchant, in 1858.
- Where is Monserrate Palace?
- The Monserrate Palace is in the Sintra Hills, near the historic town of Sintra, about 30 kilometers from Lisbon.
- Why is Monserrate Palace famous?
- Its unique architecture, beautifully landscaped gardens, and cultural significance as part of the Sintra UNESCO World Heritage Site make it famous.
- What can you see inside Monserrate Palace?
- The palace features ornately decorated halls, intricate stuccowork, and restored rooms showcasing the Cook family's history.
- How big are the gardens at Monserrate Palace?
- The gardens cover about 33 hectares and feature a diverse range of plants from different continents, arranged in themed sections.
- Is Monserrate Palace part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
- Yes, it is part of the “Cultural Landscape of Sintra,” a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995.
- How long does it take to tour Monserrate Palace?
- Most visitors spend around 1.5 to 3 hours at the palace exploring the building and the gardens.
- What is the best time to visit Monserrate Palace?
- Spring and early autumn are ideal due to pleasant weather and blooming flowers in the gardens.
- How do you get to Monserrate Palace?
- You can reach it by car, taxi, or bus from Sintra town center. The 435 bus route specifically stops near the palace.
Monserrate Palace Fun Facts
- Literary Fame: The palace inspired Lord Byron, who mentioned its beauty in his poem Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage!
- Exotic Gardens: The gardens at Monserrate Palace feature over 3,000 plant species, arranged by geographical origin, like Mexico, Japan, and Australia.
- Romantic Ruins: Before the current palace, a neo-Gothic mansion stood here, abandoned and overgrown, adding to Sintra’s romantic allure.
- Water Wonders: The gardens at Monserrate Palace include picturesque waterfalls, streams, and a ruined chapel which all adds to the magical atmosphere.
- World Traveler’s Dream: Francis Cook, the palace’s owner, was one of England’s richest men and he collected plants from his travels worldwide.
- Historic Restoration: The palace underwent extensive restoration in the 21st century to preserve its original grandeur.
- Unique Dome: The central dome at Monserrate Palace is covered with intricate carvings and stained glass and is one of the palace’s most iconic features.
- Music Connection: The palace’s acoustics and atmosphere make it a favorite venue for classical music performances.
- Rare Cacti: Some plants in the gardens, like the Mexican agave, are over 100 years old!
- Cultural Melting Pot: The palace and its gardens reflect Portugal’s global connections during the Age of Exploration.
- Unusual Ownership: For decades, the palace was privately owned by Francis Cook’s descendants until the Portuguese government acquired it.
- A Hidden Gem: Although part of Sintra’s cultural landscape, Monserrate Palace is less crowded than the nearby Pena Palace, making it a queiter retreat.
Useful Information About Monserrate Palace
Tips for Visiting Monserrate Palace
- Book Tickets Online: Monserrate Palace is a popular destination so it does get busy. Booking ahead online is easy and convenient and it can save you time giving you more time to enjoy the estate for longer.
- Combination Tickets: Consider one of our great combination tickets for Monserrate Palace & Gardens which give you access to more, for example Pena Palace and Monserrate Palace on one ticket. Click HERE for options.
- Earlier Access: If you would rather try and avoid peak crowds, we suggest an earlier visit as the house opens. You won't ever have the property to yourself, but it can be quieter just after opening.
How to get there
- Monserrate Palace, Sintra, 2710-405, Sintra
Opening Hours
- Monday: 09:30 -18:30
- Tuesday: 09:30 - 18:30
- Wednesday: 09:30 - 18:30
- Thursday: 09:30 - 18:30
- Friday: 09:30 - 18:30
- Saturday: 09:30 - 18:30
- Sunday: 09:30 - 18:30
