UNESCO kids you not.

Sintra, in Portugal, is more than a village.

It's the name of the mountain where it lies. It's the name of the National Reserve encompassed by the lower limits of the said mountain. It's an Unesco World Cultural Landscape.

But, above all, it can easily become a state of mind.

(...And what a state of mind.)

Also know as Mountain of the Moon, a magical name that inevitably draws us to ancient times when it was the stage for assorted pagan cults, Sintra mountain stands proud in the 946ha park
(with a 3,641ha buffer), anchoring into the Atlantic with its southwest face sloping down to "Cabo da Roca", continental Europe's most western point. South of this cape, lies the beautiful, beautiful Guincho beach.

Sintra, the village, is settled midway up the northeast mountain face, with its historical center immersed in the greenery park vegetation.

It is a curious mix of oddly-assorted buildings, stemming from Gothic , Renaissance and Moorish styles, serving as a front window for the architectural treasures hidden-sprinkled along the park in the form of Castles, Monasteries, Palaces and Villas, each more remarkable than the previous, no matter where one starts.

For a long time now, I've been intending to start a portfolio about Sintra.

With me loving photography as much as I currently do and these magic places resting just a few minutes driving distance from where I live, it was a crime that I wasn't taking due advantage of those incredible views and locations.

For starters, the Condessa D’Edla Chalet (the first set of photos) and the riveting beautiful Monserrate park and palace (from BF2G3842.jpg onwards), together with some assorted views of other locations in Sintra .

More to follow!

Further information on the parks and palaces of Sintra at: http://www.parquesdesintra.pt/en/

(more photos to be added)