Igreja de Santa Maria in Sintra

Igreja de Santa Maria is a historic parish church in Sintra, Portugal, and one of the oldest places of worship in the town. It has been classified as a National Monument since 1922 and forms part of the Cultural Landscape of Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995.

What does the church look like?

The church has three naves and marks the transition from Romanesque to Gothic architecture. It began as a Romanesque building and took on Gothic features in the 13th and 14th centuries. After the 1755 earthquake it was refurbished with Baroque touches, still visible today on the yellow facade and the bell tower.

What is the history of the parish?

The parish of Santa Maria de Sintra goes back to the founding of Portugal as a nation. After Afonso Henriques, the first king, took Sintra from the Moors, a small chapel was built here. In the 13th century it was reconstructed by the prior Martim Dade. By 1254 the town had grown, and prior Lourenço Anes made Santa Maria a collegiate church. That status was dissolved in 1640.

What can you see inside?

In the 16th century a high choir was added, the Gothic portals were altered, and the ceiling was redone in wood and decorated with the queen's coat of arms. The altars were fitted with Hispano-Arabic tiles. Inside you can still find:

• a holy water basin with a sculpted base,
• an inscribed stone slab about the founding of the original Chapel of Santa Clara,
• several Hispano-Moorish azulejos reused from the main chapel.

Frequently asked questions

Is the church a protected monument? Yes. It has been a National Monument since 1922 and lies within the UNESCO-listed Cultural Landscape of Sintra.

What style is Igreja de Santa Maria? It is a transitional building between Romanesque and Gothic, with later Baroque additions, especially from the refurbishment after 1755.

Where is it? In the historic centre of Sintra, Lisbon District, in the parish of Santa Maria e São Miguel, São Martinho e São Pedro de Penaferrim. Coordinates: 38.7938 N, 9.3848 W.

Why visit? The church shows several eras at once: a medieval structure, Gothic alterations, a Baroque facade and surviving interior details such as old azulejo tiles. It is a good stop while exploring Sintra's heritage.