The Royal Palace in Sintra is immediately recognisable by its two ancient conical chimneys. The main part of the palace was built under King João I at the end of the 14th century on the site of the former residence of Arab rulers. The palace became the summer residence of the Portuguese monarchs for a long time. King Manuel I slightly remodelled the palace in the Moorish style. In 1910, the palace was declared a national monument.
The interior of the palace looks rather modest, but is beautifully decorated with tiles made in Seville in the 15-16th centuries. The Arabian influence is evident in the carved wooden ceilings, especially beautiful in the chapel, where you can also admire the unique 15th century ceramic floor.
The dome of the Hall of Coats of Arms is decorated with picturesque stags holding the coats of arms of 74 noble Portuguese families. The ceiling of the Banqueting Hall is decorated with many swans, and the Hall of Forty takes its name from the multitude of these birds painted on the ceiling panels.
