Biester Palace: The New Sintra Monument 2023

Have you heard of Biester Palace?

Nestled in the lush and historic Sintra Park is a 19th-century marvel: the Biester Sintra Palace. It is one of the most opulent and elegant palaces in Sintra since it is fully furnished and has recently been restored to its original splendor.

The newly opened monument is a marvel and still not as well known as other monuments in Sintra, making it a must-visit for anyone looking to discover hidden gems.

✅ Skip the line and get your Biester Palace tickets here.

Biester Palace: A new Sintra Monument

Built in 1880 as the residence of Ernesto Biester, a wealthy merchant and playwright, this neo-gothic palace was recently restored to its former glory after being closed for many years.

The Interior

Now open to the public since April 2022, you can explore this grand monument and discover its eccentric decor.

Frescoes and stuccoes in the Music Hall, as well as paintings by Luigi Manini, an Italian architect and designer, all lend an incredibly ornate and magnificently sumptuous feel to it all. One of the ceilings was even painted by Paul Baudry, who painted the foyer of Paris Opera!

This palace is really all about ceilings. They will quite simply take your breath away! Each is intricate, elaborate and stunning. Make sure to look up as you visit and take in the grandeur of the art created in each room.

There are two floors decorated with elements of the 19th century and late-century modernity. On the ground floor, there is a living room, a dining room with views of Sintra, a billiard room, a library, and an exquisite chapel that mixes neo-gothic and early art nouveau styles. Upstairs is a more private area with bedrooms, dressing rooms, and bathrooms.

One of the most impressive features of the palace is the wooden elevator built by Raúl Mesnier de Ponsard, the same designer who created the iconic Santa Justa Elevator in Lisbon.

This palace also has an interesting religious and mystical past – art and religion blend together in the design and use of some of the rooms, creating an intriguing and mysterious atmosphere. Especially in the library and the chapel, visitors can explore the many connections between art, religion and history.

The Grounds

The visit includes the surrounding park, where you’ll find lavish and exotic vegetation as well as one of the natural attractions – a cave whose interior features ceramic tiles by Bordalo Pinheiro.

Plants have been imported from far and wide to create the gregarious garden: ferns from Australia, Camelias from Japan, and others from Central Europe and even North America.

Its labyrinthine design created in tiers allows for different views of the palace and showcases ponds, fountains and seating areas in the most elegant way.

Chalet Biester is without a doubt a must-visit for anyone looking to explore the history and beauty of Sintra. If you are lucky enough to visit when an event is taking place, you just might get to enjoy various activities organized by the palace, such as chamber music concerts and the likes.

You can also stop for a coffee at the tea house on the grounds, which serves light snacks and refreshments until 18:00.

How to get to Biester Sintra Palace

The Palace is on the main road going up to Quinta da Regaleira. It is about 15 minutes walking distance from Sintra’s main square at the National Palace and 5 minutes from Regaleira.

It’s worth noting that although the Circuito de Pena bus passes nearby, it doesn’t stop here, so walking is the best way to get there.

Chalet Biester Admissions

Tourists can visit the palace on a free visit or a guided tour. The free visit is self-guided and takes around 60 minutes. Admission costs only 11€ per person and gives you access to the palace as well as the surrounding grounds.

The guided tour is 90 minutes long and must be requested beforehand by email (reservations@biester.pt), with a minimum of 8 people. Admission for this tour costs 18€ per person.

Different family packages are also available, and children and the elderly pay at a reduced rate.

✅ Skip the line and get your Biester Sintra Palace tickets here.

Biester Palace Map

Is it worth it to go to Sintra?

Yes, absolutely! Sintra is a stunning place to visit and a must-see for any traveler coming to Portugal. The iconic palaces, rich history, stunning gardens and lush forests make Sintra one of the most enchanting places in the whole country.

With its many sights to explore and views that will take your breath away, it’s definitely worth going out of your way to visit this magical place.

Why is Sintra famous?

Sintra is famous for its 19th century Romantic architecture, which was spearheaded by Ferdinand II. The castle he built incorporated Gothic, Egyptian, Moorish and Renaissance elements and he also created a park blending local and exotic species of trees. It was the first centre in Europe to embrace this style of architecture.

It is also famous for its numerous palaces, gardens and monuments that make it a truly unique destination. Visitors can also explore the surrounding hills which are full of lush vegetation, offering stunning views of the town below.

Biester Sintra Palace: The Wrap-Up

Visitors will find that Biester Palace is a captivating new Sintra monument to explore – full of mystery and beauty. All ages can appreciate this restored and grand monument that blends history with modernity. With its stunning decor and breathtaking views of the castle and the sea, Biester Sintra Palace is a must-see for anyone visiting Sintra.