Sintra National Palace
The Sintra National Palace, also known as Vila Palace, began its construction in the 15th century, although it was used an old building from the Muslim era, its architecture has medieval, gothic, Manueline, Renaissance and romantic characteristics. It is considered an example of organic architecture, a set of bodies apparently separated, but which are part of a whole articulated with each other, through courtyards, stairs, corridors and galleries.
The Palace was used by the Portuguese Royal Family practically until the end of the Monarchy, in 1910. It was here that D. Manuel received the news of the discovery of Brazil, it was here that D. Afonso V was born and died, it was here that D. was imprisoned. Alfonso VI, it was here that D. João II was made king.
Inside you can learn a little about the history of Portugal, where the decoration has great value, combining various artistic styles to the taste of the kings who lived here, and was adopted to name the various dependencies. Noteworthy is the Swan Room, the Coat of Arms Room, the Handle Room and the Chapel.
We can still find here a small history of the tile in Portugal, from the Spanish-Arab examples brought by D. Manuel to the characteristic blue and white panels of the 19th century. XVIII.
Room of the coats: inspired by the book of the Armeiro - Mor (1509) by João do Cró and the book of Nobility and Perfection of Arms (1521-1541) by António Godinho, D. Manuel I had the room made to fix the existing coats of arms, at a time when there were great arbitrariness in the use of weapons. The ceiling consists of the winged serpent of the reigning Avis dynasty of gold color in its center, eight coats of arms of D. Manoel I with his second wife D. Maria, eight great deer, in the lower level the coats of seventy and families most influential nobles of the kingdom where even today it is sought as a reference by Portuguese and Portuguese - descendants from around the world, there is also an inscription that surrounds the whole room “because with loyal efforts services were gained with these and other such should be preserved ''