The beautiful Monserrate Palace is one of the most fascinating and original monuments in Sintra, known for its historical and cultural richness. In this article, we'll explore the history, architecture and secrets of this palace, which combines Gothic, Indian and Moorish influences, and is surrounded by one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in Portugal.
Monserrate Palace’s history begins in 1540, when Friar Gaspar Preto ordered the construction of an hermitage dedicated to Our Lady of Monserrate, inspired by the hermitage of Montserrat, in Catalonia. The property belonged to the Hospital de Todos os Santos de Lisboa and served as a place of worship and agricultural production. In the 17th century, the Mello e Castro family took ownership of the farm, and in 1718, D. Caetano de Mello e Castro, Commander of Christ and Viceroy of India, acquired it definitively.
However, in 1755, the earthquake in Lisbon caused great damage to the chapel and the farmhouses, which were left in ruins. In 1789, the English merchant Gerard de Visme leased the property and had a neo-Gothic castle built, which he lived in for a few years. In 1793, the English writer William Beckford became the new tenant of Monserrate, and carried out restoration works in the building and in the gardens, which he embellished with artificial ruins, romantic corners, and exotic species.
The writer left the property in 1799, but not before immortalizing its beauty in the poem "Childe Harold's Pilgrimage", which attracted the attention of many foreign travellers, especially English ones. One of them was Lord Byron, who visited Monserrate in 1809 and fell in love with the place.
It was only in 1846 that Monserrate found its definitive owner: Francis Cook, an English merchant and art collector, who became the first Viscount of Monserrate. Cook hired architect James Thomas Knowles Jr. to build a new palace on the ruins of the old castle, following an eclectic and exotic style, which reflected the romantic taste of the time.
The Palace is a masterpiece of 19th century architecture, which combines Gothic, Indian and Moorish elements, creating a magical and mysterious atmosphere. The façade is decorated with pointed arches and lattice windows, which contrast with the bulbous domes on the roof. The interior is even more surprising, with rooms richly decorated with plant and geometric motifs, which extend along the ceilings and walls.
One of the most impressive rooms is the Arab Room, inspired by the Alhambra, in Granada, which has a vaulted ceiling with over three thousand golden stalactites. Other notable rooms are the Indian Room, with a lotus flower-shaped ceiling; the Music Room, with an 18th-century organ; the Library, with a collection of rare books; and the Sala dos Cervos, with a monumental fireplace.
The palace is in a park of around 30 hectares, which is one of the most remarkable botanical gardens in Portugal. The park was conceived by landscaper William Stockdale, botanist William Neville and gardener James Burt, who created contrasting scenarios with species from all over the world, organized by geographic areas.
Thus, we can find plants originating in Mexico in the park, such as agaves and palm trees; from Japan, such as camellias, azaleas, and bamboos; from Australia, such as eucalyptus and acacia; from China, such as magnolias and rhododendrons; and from many other places, such as tree ferns, araucarias, cedars and cypresses. The park also has lakes, waterfalls, caves, and ruins, which create a romantic and bucolic atmosphere.
Monserrate Palace is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful treasures of Sintra, which deserves to be visited and admired by all those who appreciate art, nature, and history. It is a unique place that transports us to a world of fantasy and enchantment.
