Foto: Palacio Nacional da Pena (bron: Ronald van der Veer)
Portugal - As I arrive at Sintra station, I immediately notice I’m not the only one wanting to visit the town and its palaces today. There’s a long line at the bus stop. Everyone buys a ticket one by one. Once the bus is full, it departs. Luckily, the next bus is already arriving. I ride the bus to Palácio da Pena, about five kilometers outside Sintra. The palace is built on the remains of a 14th-century Hieronymite monastery, which was heavily damaged by earthquakes and lightning strikes. In 1842, King Ferdinand decided to build the current palace for his wife, Maria II. Although all ticket counters are open, there are long lines here too. It takes over half an hour before I manage to get a ticket. I enter the palace gardens. I’m a bit disappointed at how much time it took to get here. I quickly walk up the steep road toward the palace. Although it’s also crowded here, there are no queues inside. I enter the palace and follow the visitor route. I pass the Royal Dining Room and the Noble Room. You can clearly see how people lived here in the early 20th century. From the window, I have a wide view of the surrounding landscape. Through the beautiful ballroom, I arrive at the kitchen, where I exit the palace via the broad yellow tower. The palace itself is well worth the visit, but the surrounding gardens are also beautiful. I follow a path uphill and immediately leave the crowds behind. Nearly all tourists come only for the palace. After a steep climb, I reach the Monks’ Cave, a quiet spot where monks used to meditate. From here, I have a stunning view of the palace. The sun briefly appears, casting beautiful light on the building. I descend back into the palace gardens on the other side. Via the exit for car visitors, I return to the main road.
Lisbon
Portugal - Lisbon is the capital of Portugal and lies along the Tagus River. The city offers a rich mix of history, atmosphere, and culture. Built on seven hills, Lisbon features some steep inclines. To navigate these, the city has not only standard trams but also ...
On tram 28 through Lisbon
Portugal - At the highest point of the district, I wait for tram 28. I don’t have to wait long. The characteristically small yellow tram comes and goes frequently. I buy a ticket from the driver. It’s crowded on the tram. I find a standing spot just behind the ...
The Jeronimos Monastery in Belem
Portugal - I continue walking toward Belém. Around noon, I arrive at the Monument of the Discoveries in Belém. A large concrete monument features the Portuguese explorers. At the front stands Henry the Navigator, followed closely by Vasco da Gama. Before visiting ...