Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
CostandHours:
€7, free Sun until 14:00; open Thu-Tue 9:30-17:30, last entry 17:00,
closed Wed; look for white, Madonna-bra building in town center, 10-minute walk from
train station, photos allowed, tel. 219-106-840,
http://pnsintra.imc-ip.pt
.
Self-GuidedTour:
The palace is a one-way romp with little information provided.
As you tour the place, stop in these notable parts of the palace:
Swan Room:
This first room is the palace's banquet room. A king's daughter—who
loved swans—married into a royal house in Belgium. The king missed the princess
so much that he decorated the ceiling with her favorite animal. These aren't the only
creatures in the room, though. Check out the ceramic soup tureens designed in the shape
of your favorite barnyard animal.
Courtyard:
This was a fortified medieval palace, so rather than having fancy gardens
outside, it has a stay-awhile courtyard within its protective walls. Notice the unique chim-
neys. They provide powerful suction that removes the smoke from the kitchen and also
create a marvelous open-domed feeling (as you'll see at the end of your tour).
Magpie Room:
King John I was caught kissing a lady-in-waiting by his queen. Frus-
trated by his court—abuzz with gossip—John had this ceiling painted with magpies. But
