Portugal: Sintra – Monserrate Palace & Park

While most people skip Montserrat and go for the four other attractions in Sintra, the palace and the gardens here are worth a look and are a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. It was in the 19th century as a summer residence for the English millionaire Francis Cook, who made sure the palace and the garden were absolutely unique – the palace interior features intricate alabaster stucco work, geometric patterns, and a central gallery corridor flanked by marble columns. The design intentionally leans heavily toward Moorish and Mudejar architecture while eluding it with Euro opulence of the 19th century. Walking inside the palace feels like being inside an intricate lace box, like a toy. The surrounding park is a famous botanical garden with species from all over the globe, although it’s not very well maintained. The cacti and succulents are pretty cool!