details/architecture, Sintra

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This is a small museum in Sintra village which exhibits a wonderful collection of toys collected over 50 years or more. The collection is owned by Joao Arbues Moreira and he started it when he was only 14 years old. The museum itself opened in 1989 and has continued to accumulate over the years. Some of the items feature 1930’s Hornby sets, model soldiers, planes, trains and cars and of course dolls. The museum building was once the headquarters of the Sintra Firemen.

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On the slops of the mountain is Casa dos Penedos (aka House of stones). Quite a unique piece of architecture with its curves and peaked towers not to mention the colour. Built in 1921-22, the base of this mansion is in the form of arches and it all just rises up from there in amongst the dense foliage. The house was designed by Raul Lino who lived an amazing long life for his time. Born in 1879, he studied both in England and Germany. Many of his creations are scattered throughout Portugal. They include the Tivoli Theatre and Brazil Pavilion in Lisbon, St Patricks Tower in Estorial and the Casa do Cipreste also in Sintra. The house is privately owned.

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St Marinho’s Church is the home of the Museum of Sacred Art or (Museu de Arte Sacra). The collection takes in historical pieces from not only Sao Martinho’s but also Santa Maria. Of particular interest are scrolls from the 15th century.
Open Mon-Sat 10.00am to 12.00noon and Sunday 4.00pm to 6.00pm.

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Lord Byron, a romantic poet, visited Sintra in 1809. He wrote about his impressions in his lengthy poem ‘Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage’ where he described the town as a "Glorious Eden" .

This beautiful tilled fountain is named after the yet and dates back to the 14th century. In 1787 the fountain was reconstructed.