Touted as the most well-preserved of all medieval royal residence in Portugal, the magnificent Palace of Sintra is currently a historic house museum. This palace is an interesting and exotic concoction of Gothic, Manueline, Moorish, and Mudéjar architectural styles.

Gaze at the graceful snow-white swans which adorn the ceiling of the Swan Room (Sala dos Cisnes) in Manueline style. Count the merry magpies which are painted on the ceiling of the beautiful Magpie Room (Sala das Pegas). Head for the elegant courtyard and admire the Mudéjar-style mullioned windows and azulejos (geometrical tile decoration) from the 16th century. An inspiring palace that is worth a visit!