Portugal Part 2 - Sintra

Sintra is not only one of the most beautiful and most touristic villages of Portugal, but it is also the place I used to live and study 7 years ago. The center is located at the bottom of Sintra hill, it has a very humid micro climate, therefor unlike other parts of Portugal it is green in every period of the year. Sintra has beautiful gardens and not surprisingly already the royal families chose this place for their summer residences. The Royal Palace, Palácio da Vila and the city center are part of the World Heritage.
And this year for the first time I could listen to Fado live in front of the Royal Palace from one of the most famous Fado singers nowadays: Mariza. Fado is the typical Portuguese music, usually melancholic, sang by a singer accompanied by a Portuguese guitar player (and this time by the Portuguese Symphonic Orchestra). The concert was just amazing, even Jano enjoyed it incredibly. And the unique atmosphere of the place made it even more unforgettable. I am listening to Mariza at the moment as well:)

Mariza

The Royal Palace

And the other side of the same square.

The view of Sintra hill and the Moor Castle on top.

Typical Portuguese painted tiles called "azulejo".

Again an undiscovered place in the middle of the hill: a palace called Monserrat. Its garden has wonderful vegetation in a very quiet surrounding. I can understand why many writers chose this place to live.

It is a pity that smell cannot be recorded on pictures...

One of the many tree-ferns