Overview
In 1858, English magnate Sir Francis Cook acquired a ruined 18th-century villa and had British architect James Knowles Jr. rebuild it in an exotic style. The palace blends intricate Moorish arabesques, Indian Mughal-style arcades, and Gothic windows into one of Sintra's most distinctive buildings, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. The 33-hectare botanical garden hosts about 3,000 plant species from around the world - Australian eucalyptus, Mexican cacti, Japanese camellias, Indian palms. A hidden gem far less crowded than Pena, perfect for a relaxed visit. Admission about EUR 10. Bus 435 or about 50-minute walk from Sintra station.
Opening Hours
09:30-19:00 (winter 09:30-18:00)
Travel Tips
Quieter and far more expansive than Pena Palace. Spring and autumn show the gardens at their best.
Hotels near Monserrate Palace
Hotels and guesthouses in Sintra, Serra de Sintra, Sintra
Other attractions in Sintra
Pena Palace
A fairy-tale palace in red, yellow, and purple — one of Portugal's Seven Wonders.
Quinta da Regaleira
A Gothic mansion with mysterious underground tunnels and the famous Initiation Well.
Castle of the Moors
An 8th-century Moorish hilltop fortress with Great Wall-like ramparts to walk along.
Sintra National Palace
The medieval summer residence of Portuguese royalty, marked by two huge white conical chimneys.
Cabo da Roca
Continental Europe's westernmost point - endless Atlantic seen from dramatic cliffs.
Sintra Vila (Old Town)
Cobblestone streets centered on the Sintra National Palace, packed with patisseries and craft shops.
Praia das Maçãs
An Atlantic beach near Sintra, beloved for its natural pools and beach cafes.