Sintra

Description:

In 1995, Sintra gained the UNESCO Cultural Landscape classification. The town and the northern slope of the Serra de Sintra with its wonderful natural characteristics and im-pressive historic landmarks were thus accepted as worthy of world heritage status.
In pre-modern times, the region was known as the Mountain of the Moon and linked to prehistoric religious practices.
Sintra's defining era proved to be the 19th century when it was swept up in the Romantic movement. Dating from this period are the Pena Palace, the Monserrate Palace, the es-tates Quinta da Regaleira and Quinta do Relógio, among others. Each represents a good example on how Romantic inspiration came to endow an environment of mystery and magic. Much of this came about due to the influence of a Bavarian prince Fernando de Saxe Coburgo-Gotha, prince consort to queen Maria II (1826-53).
Thanks to the very peculiar characteristics of the Serra de Sintra microclimate as well as geological characteristics, abundant greenery thrives with many local species standing next to far more exotic cousins from far off lands. Sintra is home to some of the most beautiful parks in Portugal and all with a very Romantic influence. The parks are staged to feature small ponds, nooks, false caves and secret paths leading harmoniously through the thick foliage.
In this excursion we will also give insights on geological characteristics of Sintra! During the age of the dinosaurs, its pinkish potassium-rich granite started to crystalize. However, silica-poor less acidic emplacements also occur to boost biological evolution. These un-expected conditions derive from a second magmatic chamber that collided with the gran-ite and gave rise to a surprisingly geodiverse region in the westernmost point of mainland Europe, the Roca Cape.

Adapted from: https://www.visitportugal.com/en/NR/exeres/31FFE7EA-5474-4B43-B4B7-203276F4AE87