Immerse yourself in the historical past of Sintra through a guided day walk. Experience the legends and medieval stories that shaped this enchanting town, accompanied by a renowned historian and author. Discover Sintra beyond its present and connect with its rich history and heritage.
- Centro Historico de Sintra - In the Historic Center (being a day walk, you will, inevitably, see numerous people in the beginning) you’ll meet Sintra’s foremost history researcher, Miguel Boim, who will tell you how Sintra’s Castle, the hills, the valleys and the Royal Palace were in the past.
In the last centuries several such tried - among the folk - to explain the origin of how some medieval names have come to be like they are. The true origins are found far behind in time, with some still being untraceable today, while others are just in front of our comprehension. The difference between the tales and the true History is also going to be made by Miguel Boim, although some of the true History (or anotations of the distant past) can seem fictional today.
- Castelo dos Mouros - After learning some accounts of interest about the theme, we’ll enter a more quiet area, while slowly climbing the hills.
On our way to the Castle, we will find Sintra legends and such that it intends to revive the medieval past of what is historically known as “Reconquest” (“Reconquest”). You will learn more about it, since it is essential to feel the true spirit of the arabic fortress that existed here, as well as understand why we see this stone fortification today. And which flags were flown by last, in the Castle? You are probably going to feel surprised.
From the top, from one of the watchpoints of the Kingdom, we will see - through the information that Miguel Boim will transmit you, based on the study of the old portuguese and medieval chronicles -, well-known knights of Portuguese History in the fields around the Mountains.
Monks living in a dishonest manner, barbers forced to take arms and also neighbors with cunning plans; walking under the carpet made of treetops of Sintra - and still feeling the snorting of the horses - you will know the “Legends and Medieval Stories of Sintra”.
The terrain will be irregular in some parts, but nothing to person with no impairment can not handle. The effort implied is equivalent to a stroll around Sintra’s Historical Center for the whole afternoon.
In some parts there will be more stops for you to enjoy the landscape, having in view some important monuments in the distance (the Castle, Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, Sintra National Palace and others) as well as the Atlantic Ocean also in the distance).
In the way back (it is a circular route) and before arriving at the Historic Center you will see the sights that will take your eyes not only in the distance but also in the past in which all that surround us was different. Upon your return to the Historic Center you will have the opportunity to visit it in the evening and, therefore, more calmly than during the day among the crowd.
- Centro Historico de Sintra - The walk (about 7 kilometers, in about 5 hours, in regular and irregular terrain) will end at the Historic Center.
- Expert historian guide
- Entrance ticket to Sintra’s Castle
- Bottled water
- Discover a unique perspective of Sintra, delving beyond its current state
- Dive into the rich past of Sintra through ancient medieval chronicles and records
- Join Miguel Boim, a writer and historian, and the author of ‘Sintra Legendary’ - giving talks and lectures about the history of Sintra to an audience of over 12,000 people (as of 2018)
- Feel connected to the history and heritage of Sintra.
- Booking needed until 72 hours before the desired date (this activity happens inside a natural park and there are legal procedures involving the authorities that are needed).
- The walk has about 7 kilometers in around 5 hours (circular route, including stoppings at specifical points).
- Regular and irregular terrain.
- The effort implied is equivalent to a stroll around Sintra’s Historical Center for the whole afternoon.
- This walk will occur under almost all weather conditions (being the exception the ones that may imply any risks for the participants or warnings from the Civil Protection) so please have the proper clothing and footwear.
- In the case of city council events, festivals, constructions, others, route may be altered so that participants are not afflicted and still enjoy this different form of knowing Sintra.
- Smoking not allowed.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
