Sintra: What Lies Behind its Enigmatic Name?

Picture this captivating scene: a group of intrepid navigators sailing along the Portuguese coast under the cloak of darkness. With no modern navigation tools at their disposal, their only guides are the stars and the moon. As they cast their gaze towards the land before them, a breathtaking sight unfolds—a mountain bathed in the ethereal glow of a shimmering silver moon. The mountain, crafted from granite, becomes a mirror, reflecting the moon's luminous beams into the hushed night.

It's no wonder these sailors were left awe-struck, believing they had stumbled upon a place where the moon connected with the earthly realm. Throughout history, explorers bestowed names upon the lands they discovered based on natural phenomena. For example, Rio de Janeiro was named after the month of January. Sintra, too, carries a name that evokes a profound connection to the heavens.

The Celts, who once called this land their own, referred to it as "Cynthia." You might recognize the word from the English term "scintillating", which implies a radiant brilliance or sparkling quality. It is fitting, then, that Sintra continued to be associated with the moon, maintaining its status as a realm of enchantment and magic.

Sintra's history stretches far beyond the imagination of those early Celts. The mountains that grace its landscape have silently witnessed the rise and fall of civilizations throughout the ages. From the Neolithic era, spanning back ten thousand years, to the Copper Age, Sintra's majestic peaks provided a home for ancient inhabitants who left behind awe-inspiring megalithic structures like the Anta de Adrenunes and Tholos do Monge. These remarkable architectural feats serve as a testament to the skill and ingenuity of those who once walked these lands.

Anta of Adrenunes - Megalithic structure that can be visited in the mountains of Sintra

Among the myriad legends surrounding the origin of Sintra's name, one theory stands out—an intriguing link to the ancient Greeks and their veneration of the moon goddess, whose names was "Cynthia," paying homage to the celestial body that they worshipped. This lunar connection endured with the arrival of the Romans, who dubbed the area "Mons Lunae," the "Mountain of the Moon."

But the association with the moon did not end there. Throughout history, Sintra has been regarded as a place of mystery and reverence. Greek and Latin writers even referred to it as "Mons Sacer," the "Holy Mountain", infusing it with an aura of sacredness. This ethereal connection continued with the arrival of Islamic settlers, who found a spiritual sanctuary within Sintra's embrace. Notably, the symbol of Islam is the Half Moon. King Ferdinand II embraced this mystical heritage, adorning the Pena Palace with symbols shaped like the moon, a testament to the enduring influence of celestial connections.

Fonte da Sabuga is a historical landmark in Sintra. This fountain has references to the Moon and the Sun as celestial bodies associated with Sintra (visit this Fountain here: Fonte da Sabuga)

Ex-libris of Pena Palace, present in the crowning of the domes that cover part of the central body of the palace.

The same symbol, applied to the railings of the Fonte dos Passarinhos in Parque da Pena - Visit Pena Palace here

As time marched forward, Sintra fell under Moorish rule. The Moors, in their own linguistic tapestry, left their mark on the town, bestowing upon it names like "Zintira," "Chinra," and "Xintra." Over generations, these names transformed into the familiar appellation of "Sintra" that graces our lips today. It is fascinating to contemplate how different cultures and languages influenced the evolution of this town's name, leaving behind a mosaic of words that reflect its diverse and storied past. Some of the moorish influence can still be found at the Castle of the Moors.

Though the precise etymology of Sintra's name may elude us, its allure remains undeniably potent. Sintra's breathtaking landscapes have ignited the imaginations of countless artists, writers, and dreamers over the centuries, stirring their souls with an ineffable sense of wonder. Stepping into Sintra is akin to embarking on a voyage through time, where history and myth converge, creating a realm of enchantment and boundless imagination.

As you traverse the ancient streets of Sintra, beholding its magnificent palaces, verdant gardens, and mist-laden vistas, you become an integral part of its living tapestry. The echoes of past civilizations reverberate through the air, beckoning you to immerse yourself in the captivating embrace of this timeless town. Sintra, with its origins steeped in mystery and its mystical allure, promises an extraordinary journey of discovery—a transcendence into a realm where legends come to vibrant life.

These origins further contributed to the enigmatic allure of Sintra, captivating the imagination of generations. As time passed, additional legends and myths (you can visit a Museum in Sintra dedicated to some of these Myths - Buy Ticket Here) intertwined with the tapestry of mystery. Among these captivating tales is the legend of an apparition of the Virgin Mary, said to have manifested on the exact location where the Pena Palace proudly stands today. This extraordinary event inspired the construction of a modest chapel, devoted to Our Lady of Pena. Read about this here.