The landmark of Sintra is the National Palace (Palacio Nacional), with its huge, conic, white twin chimneys, which rise above the large palace kitchen, and are visible from quite a distance.  It is one of the most important examples of regal architecture in Portugal and for that reason is classified as a National Monument.  The palace was continuously inhabited as a royal summer residence from the 14th to the 20th c.  It is a conglomerate of different architectural styles. Elaborate wood carved ceilings, which arch over the rooms and marvellous wall decoration with ceramic tiles from the 15th/16th centuries, the Azulejos,, bear witness to the Arabic influence.  The tiles were manufactured in Seville and it is the oldest and most extensive collection on the Iberian Peninsula.

The art of manufacturing Azulejos was brought to Spain and Portugal by the Arabs.  Since then this craft developed into a traditional art and became a special feature of Portuguese architecture. Elaborate wall paintings from tiles decorate banqueting halls of palaces as well as churches, public buildings, private homes, staircases and fountains. Even street signs on houses are made from decorative tiles!