"With origins dating back hundreds of years, the National Palace of Sintra, beloved of the early Portuguese monarchy, is one of Portugal's most important royal palaces. As well as being a building of captivating beauty in its own right, the palace is a rare example of a structure with its medieval architecture still virtually intact. Over the centuries, changing architectural styles have combined to give the so-called 'Town Palace' a rich and enigmatic atmosphere, which is captured in the specially commissioned photographs in this book." Preliminary chapters trace the fascinating history and social context of the palace, including the contributions of the various Portuguese rulers to its complex development. Subsequent sections of the book provide an illustrated tour around the principal rooms, which highlights some of the many features of decorative and architectural interest. In addition, the tour explores the rich and distinctive exterior, together with the surrounding grounds.