Monserrat Palace in Sintra

So... I'm catching up on some big and little trips we've taken in the last few months (it's funny how a little thing like a baby can make such a big splash in your life).  First up: a day trip to Monserrat Palace in Sintra.  This was one of our last pre-baby excursions, as you can see from any shots of Jyl's profile.  This is also one of our last Sintra palaces that we had not yet visited.  I think Quinta de Regaleira is still my favorite of the attractions on the Sintra "mountain," but I think it is definitely worth a trip if you are a fan of any of the following: interesting water elements, intricately decorated palaces, abandoned churches, giant ferns, waterfalls, and/or a diverse landscape with plants collected from around the world.  Enjoy! 

 

 

Quina de Regaleira AKA Fairy Tale Gardens

What a gift to have 2 weeks for spring break!  We kicked it off with fantastic guests Jen & Travis by visiting the "Quinta de Regaleira" in Sintra, a site that seems to have come right out of Alice in Wonderland, complete with murky caves, twisting tunnels, elaborate rock bridges, towers buried underground, stone doors, and a garden with plants from all over the world.  Cool stuff! 

This was amazing.  Apparently a place for initiation into some fraternal order? 

 

Palaces & Padres

The Barnetts became the next set of parents to make their way across the pond this March.  We had a fantastic time exploring the Palacio da Pena in Sintra before they went on a tour of Portugal.  After they came back we took our first trip on the Lisbon trolley together.

Portugal Photo Journal - Part 4: The Capuchos Monastery in the Sintra Mountains

The smell of fall snaked its way into our noses and we crunched on fallen sycamore leaves as we wandered through this delightful shire-like former religious retreat: the Capuchos Monastery. 

The monastery was surrounded by ancient trees, huge granite boulders, moss, and ferns. The vegetation sets the tone with its damp and quiet air.  

Some of the larges boulders had been built right into the monastery. 

The monks rooms were each tiny... short doors, and just enough space for a small person to lie down. 

Although a bit small and cold, the light coming in was filtered and peaceful.  I could see how this place could be a place of quiet contemplation. 

A lot of the surfaces were covered in cork from the cork oaks that dominate Portugal's economy. 

This gives you an idea of how small the rooms were!

Hobbit kitchen

A cork oak.