This huge fortification was restored in Victorian times by the Kings of Spain, as a "summer cottage" Having seen how much work must have been involved, and wealth consumed, it is easy to understand why the peasants of the day were sufficiently riled to assassinate the king early last century and terminate the Portuguese monarchy.
We anchored in the delightful town of Cascais, west of Lisbon and took a bus to Sintra, where there is a palace as well the fort.
The pictures on this page give some idea of the grandeur of the former Kings of Portugal.
This friendly looking guy above the entrance Helen is standing in is supposed to keep the King's enemies out.
