A ROMANTIC ENSEMBLE # 1 - THE PARK (SLIDE-SHOW)

I admit I have a penchant for romanticism in Sintra. It’s easy to like Sintra, a small town I visit from time to time. It was hot but Sintra with its lush vegetation always makes me feel not only refreshed but also like I am staying (nearly) alone in nature. It’s particularly easy to become overwhelmed at the Monserrate Park and Palace ensemble, where I didn't remember to have ever been before. After a one-hour walk from the railway station I arrived at the Park.

Monserrate is one of the most romantic sights in the region of Lisbon, a Victorian mansion situated in a botanical garden of exotic trees and tropical plants. The gardens were landscaped in the 18th century by a wealthy Englishman William Beckford, writer of the Gothic novel Vathek, between 1793 and 1799 when he rented Monserrate. Around half a century later, another wealthy Englishman Sir Francis Cook bought the place and built the magnificent Victorian mansion inspired by Brighton Pavilion of Nash. Cook also transformed the gardens with a large sweeping lawn, camellias and sub-tropical trees from all over the world. Today Monserrate is one of Europe’s most richly reserved gardens and impresses its visitors with its romantic charm.

At the entrance, the gate is topped by a pair of  two mythological creatures providing an introduction to the fantastic beyond the gate. I started walking through the gardens, resisting to the temptation of going straight to the Palace. Passed by the Indian Arch, acquired in India by Sir. Francis Cook, and then walked to the relaxing cascade Beckford ... and stopped to admire the scenery. Here, were joined talents and ability to dream...

I followed the path downhill, to the Ferns and the Garden of Japan, and enjoyed the idea and outcome of creating a fake ruin of the chapel. When I was approaching the Garden of Mexico I was faced with a lawn hill - the first planted in Portugal, notable for its size and unusual cambered surface that required an imaginative irrigation system -  with fantastic places to lay a towel and sunbathe. Unfortunately, I hadn't any towel with me. On the top of the hill I saw the Palace. I climbed the hill to the Palace and I reached the highest point of the visit.  I walked around to admire its exterior. Until  recently this was the only option as it had been closed for restoration works. Splendid! One has to pay homage to those who built it and rebuild it as the summer house of Francis Cook. 

I decided not to enter, without firstly having rest at the tea house, where I could refill my batteries...

Hope you enjoy the walk in the Park...