The Palace of Sintra is first referenced by Al-Bakrî, a 10th century Moorish geographer, in conjunction with the castle that he placed in the lofty peaks of the surrounding hills, today entitled the Moorish Castle. In 1147, following the conquest of Lisbon by Afonso Henriques, the Almoravids of Sintra surrendered to bring an end to over three centuries of Moorish domination. On the site of the current palace, then named Chão da Oliva, there probably once stood the residence of the Moorish governors but with the remains still for discovery.

Experience the National Sintra Palace at your own pace with an e-ticket and a fascinating self-guided audio tour on your smartphone.

Receive your ticket by email, download the app and the audioguide on your phone, prior to your visit, and travel back in time to experience the glory of the National Palace of Sintra, where every room holds an unique tale of Portuguese royal heritage.

Put on your headphones and discover the John III’s Chambers, the Palatine Chapel and the Arab Room through the power of storytelling. Learn historical information and uncommon stories and anecdotes from the ancient times. Tour’s content is the result of in-depth research, squeezed into brief original stories that will make your visit both engaging and informative. The audio tour can be used repeatedly and anytime, before or after your visit.

This is an unmissable opportunity to gain valuable insights into the centuries of royal life and intrigue that have unfolded within the walls of the National Palace of Sintra and relate to your surroundings in an entirely original way.