Park of Monserrate

About the garden

The Park of Monserrate, in Sintra, is a unique testament to the eclecticism of the 19th century, where the exotic plant motifs of the interior extend harmoniously to the outside. Gerard de Visme built a house in the neo-Gothic style, which was later occupied by William Beckford. Eventually, Francis Cook purchased the property and transformed the house into a style that combined Gothic, Indian and Moorish influences. Acquired by the Portuguese government in 1949, Monserrate was later entrusted to Parques de Sintra.

Winding paths sit alongside spontaneous regional species, such as strawberry trees, rare hollies and imposing cork oaks. The surrounding gardens were enriched with species from around the world, which were organised according to their geographic origins. This arrangement forms landscapes along the paths that wind through ruins, recesses, lakes and waterfalls. Notable areas include the Garden of Mexico, the Rose Garden and the Ornamental Lakes.