Christian Reconquest

Sintra was a strategic point for many centuries for Muslim people.

The Christian Reconquest in Sintra began in the 12th  century the Portuguese owe it to their first king, D. Afonso Henriques. This region was one of the last being conquered in north Tejo, maybe because of its difficulty or because of a strategic matter, as it was a really important point, in defense matter.

It was a fundamental point for the age that was going on, because from their castle (Moorish Castle) they could see another castle, Palmela Castle, which was situated on the other bank of the river.

    Palácio da Vila