Night Walk
♦ PASSEIO PEDESTRE DIURNO ♦
caminhada diurna, visita cultural diurna
~ O Reino dos Amores de Sintra ~
- história e lendas de Sintra -
::: Investigação Histórica e Organização:
. Miguel Boim, O Caminheiro de Sintra
(autor do livro Sintra Lendária - Histórias e Lendas do Monte da Lua)
::: www.miguelboim.com
::: rnaat 1808/2017
Below on this page you will find:
1
2
3
how to make a booking
gallery
more info on the walk
1
Gallery
À direita:
Uma parte do percurso da caminhada temática O Reino dos Amores de Sintra.
fotografia de Miguel Boim
À esquerda:
Uma parte da caminhada diurna O Reino dos Amores de Sintra.
fotografia de Miguel Boim
À direita:
Uma das muitas vistas presentes ao longo do percurso.
fotografia de Romy Mathews
À direita:
Miguel Boim a contar algumas das histórias da História relacionadas com O Reino dos Amores de Sintra.
fotografia de Vivian Hermes
À esquerda:
O encontro com o Palácio de Seteais.
fotografia de Romy Mathews
2
The First Benefit
This is a private tour; meaning that only you and the people that you bring with you will compose the group along Miguel Boim.
and the Highlights
contrast between the border of the mountain (near the village) and the darkness of its forest
availability to reply to all questions related with Sintra's History and Heritage during the tour / night walk
the most mundane and trivial habits and customs which get people's chest closer to History
span of time of the accounts between 4th century b.C. and 19th century a.C.
Synopsys / Teaser
In what you have dreamt today - remembering or already having forgotten it - you have fulfilled what many of the figures of our History have also experienced: the magic that in the strange things of life it is always present, and the bizarre, which by fear or by a false wonder, seem to have been under a cast spell.
In this night walk in Sintra, prepare yourself to listen to what some figures of the past have here dreamt, what they here in the Mountains have seen, and what in the night feared through what could be heard.
sepulchre of King Dinis, showing the King being attacked by a bear and killing him; what have come to his reign,
arriving from the past and relating to the chants from the Ocean?
Elucidation of the Walk
Do we visit the interior of any monument?
The interior of monuments are not going to be visited. Althought that, you'll have some different panoramic views over Sintra, over the area of Lisbon, and also towards the Castle and Pena Palace (if fog allows it).
Will we get to know the origin the names of places?
The reason for certain names is going to be explained as well as why we know today Sintra Mountains as the Mountain of the Moon. Where it appeared for the first time and how was it turned into latin which caused wrong explanations of how Mountain of the Moon has arised. (You will also know why Louisianna is nowadays Louisianna; and the relation of that piece of information with Sintra? You will know it.)
Are we going to hear just dates and facts as in any tour?
People who have lived in Sintra in the distant past are going to be mentioned, due to their role in strange circumstances. Those circumstances reveal how the portuguese - and the people from Sintra - were in the past and how they were seen by the foreigners - and not only - in distant centuries. The telling of those circumstances and accounts will give you a rare insight into how the village and mountains were, as well as some of the differences from then and now. The monuments which you see today will gain a form that is no longer observable.
Wouldn't we know those accounts in any other form?
To a better understanding in this travel to the past, you will be furnished with pieces of information - curious pieces of information - which can be only known by who studies the local and the reign's history perpetually, and which permit your eyes to have the right filters - which are very different from the ones our imagination supplies us with, and are usually far from the reality lived in the past.
Notes on the desired atmosphere / ambience:
Several of the purposes of these visits are related with the ambient that people can enjoy if in the mountains and in the Historical Center in silence. With the sound of the wind in the trees and the running streams in the fresher seasons, you will get to know how Sintra (Historical Center and Mountains) truly is, and to get far from the touristic crowds. All the care is taken to avoid other nightly events from the council and/or other organizations (with its proper margin of error, since some are private and others with almost no time of advertisement). The silence and care taken and enjoyed by you it is also a form of preservation of the Mountains Wild Life.
Thus, so that the silence can be enjoyed it is advisable that this walk start at night, either in the Summer or in the Winter (although you can ask it to be done during the day).
It can happen to be a foggy night which - although it contributes to the environment of the accounts - can limit the visibility to monuments and landscapes. The fog can appear during the walk, since it is usual to happen in a clear landscape to be completely covered in fog in the space of one or two minutes.
And to feel in the most intense way this side of Sintra's past, you are more than welcome to expose all the questions you have not only related with the theme of the night but with everything related with Sintra's History and Heritage.
if this watercolor from the 1820's it seems just the monument
you see nowadays in Sintra's Historical Center, you
are looking at it with the wrongful today's filters
On the Day of the Walk
What will happen?
This is a walking tour. Through around five kilometres there will be stopping places where Miguel Boim will tell some accounts of the past history related with Sintra, focusing on the theme. Besides those accounts, you'll receive information on how certain aspects that you can see today are different from what you could see in the past, focusing not only on the Village but also on the mountains.
Those accounts rather than being stories that were created amidst the people are notations that are found in books with several centuries. The purpose it's to create a bigger impact not only in the knowledge that one can take with him, but also on one's feelings and emotions, using for that a knowledge that can make people from the past more human than simply a name in a history book.
You are going to be shown images from Sintra's past so that you can go deeper in the accounts, and notice the difference between the now and then.
The total time it will be situated between three and four hours, and the effort to make the walk it is very similar to a whole afternoon strolling around Sintra (with it's own stairs and ups and downs).
This theme's route it is mostly around the Village with a small incursion in the dark of the mountain, so that you can feel - and see - what is hidden in the marvellous nocturnal landscape. It is forbidden to walk in the mountain at night and only with the right licenses and burocracy you are able to do what you are about to do. The small incursion it is on soil, but easily done by whoever doesn't have mobility limitations.
It is possible to do this walk during the day, having in mind the crowds and noise you can encounter on the way.
For the portuguese, this is the theme I usually recommend for who have never done any of my walks, due to its accounts and also to its route.
the signature states: "mestre nyculao chaterene"
what is going Master Nicolau tell us from the 16th century?
Some Images of What You May Encounter
The crescent above the Mountain of the Moon.
And how that name - Mountain of the Moon - has reached us today? That's one of the things you are going to figure out..
Actual picture taken (at dusk) from the night walk (Sintra: Dreams in the Woods and Chants From the Ocean) route.
Photographer credits: Miguel Boim.
The old Royal Palace with its conical chimneys.
But there's a lot more to see from this perspective, which is not at sight anymore.
Actual picture taken (at dusk) from the night walk (Sintra: Dreams in the Woods and Chants From the Ocean) route.
Photographer credits: Miguel Boim.
Full moon crowning the night sky.
Many centuries ago people from this region would do something to pay homage to the moon. Millennia ago, to be more correct.
Actual picture taken from the night walk (Sintra: Dreams in the Woods and Chants From the Ocean) route.
Photographer credits: Miguel Boim.
«Questions asked to frey Miguel da Torre, friar from the Capuchos Order.»
What have frey Miguel replied? And to whom? And what consequences have arised from those answers?
Detail of an actual Inquisition's process from the 16th century, from the ANTT (Arquivo Nacional Torre do Tombo).
.
A corridor.
But not any corridor. You are not going to be taken there; only through words, and words that will take you there centuries ago.
Picture taken in the 20th century, although the space you see is from the 16th century, already with modifications.
A Papal Tiara.
And a coat of arms that tell us accounts from distant centuries.
Actual picture taken from the night walk (Sintra: Dreams in the Woods and Chants From the Ocean) route.
Photographer credits: Maria João Marques.
In the night, a long view.
A long and very different view to Lisbon. Different from what you could see in the night in the past.
Actual picture taken from the night walk (Sintra: Dreams in the Woods and Chants From the Ocean) route.
Photographer credits: Maria João Marques.
The Ocean, some figures in the top, some figures in the bottom near the water.
And strange accounts and strange habits to unveil.
Engraving from the 19th century.
A place everyone desires to visit nowadays.
Regaleira, when it was already know for its regalos (delights) of nature.
Engraving from the 1820's.
In the latin title: "Description of the City of Lisbon by Damião de Góis" (year 1554)
How will it surprise you in the night of Sintra?
From the Biblioteca Nacional de Portugal archive.
More info on the walk
your cicerone:
the author and researcher
Miguel Boim
lectures and speeches on Sintra's history to more than 12K people - as to 2018 data
in this video of the portuguese channel dedicated to culture, Miguel Boim
gives body to Süskind's walker, Mr. Sommer
➤ Your guide and historian, on the national TV
a dar corpo ao Senhor Sommer--------------
➤ Na RTP2
a dar corpo ao Senhor Sommer
Dando corpo à leitura de alguns trechos de A História do Senhor Sommer, de Patrick Süskind (mais conhecido pela obra O Perfume), no programa Literatura Aqui.
A leitura dos trechos foi feita, como habitual, por Pedro Lamares e Filipa Leal.
➤ Na SIC
no programa "Boa Cama Boa Mesa"
Uma rápida aparição no programa "Boa Cama Boa Mesa" da SIC, apresentado por Martim Cabral, e como sempre a falar sobre as curiosas histórias do passado da Serra de Sintra.
The First Benefit
This is a private tour; meaning that only you and the people that you bring with you will compose the group along Miguel Boim.
and the Highlights
the most human accounts that you are not able to hear in a formal presentation of a guided visit
the appropriate transmission of the information in the context of Sintra's past, specially about the 19th century
the possibility, with examples to fully understand the differences between legends, tales and accounts (with examples)
surprising facts on the intimacy and habits of the past
the presentation of the book Sintra Lendária, in the Grémio Literário, by Basílio Horta, Mayor of Sintra Municipality
%20Sintra%20Lend%C3%A1ria%20-%20Capa%20-%20Segunda%20Edi.jpg)
Miguel Boim being received by the students of a school in the Municipality of Sintra
second edition of Miguel Boim and Sintra's iconic book Sinta Lendária, with a deep and heartful insight on the side of History which resembles the same enchantment of legends and tales
Elucidation of the Walk
The atmosphere / environment
This walking tour it was built so that you can see some of the most meaningful landscapes and monuments (from the outside), with them relatively close to you. This means that this tour is made during the day and that you are not going to be completely isolated and you may have some people crossing with your group.
If the fog descends in the middle of the afternoon you may not be able to see some of the monuments from the outside and possibly some of the landscapes.
It will be transmited for you to feel free to ask whatever you want related with Sintra's history and heritage, even if not related with the tour theme.
Monuments and Nature
This tour happens mostly during the day and although that, you won't visit the interior of any monument. You'll see some of them (Pena Palace, Royal Palace of Sintra, Quinta da Regaleira, other less known to foreigners) close in the distance.
How have some legends emerged?
In "Sintra, Kingdom of Love" you will be able to know the origin behind the name of some known places in Sintra, as well as some legends the folk has created to explain the names and origins of some places and monuments here in Sintra.
Are just a bundle of lovely stories?
Even if it is named "Sintra, Kingdom of Love" it doesn't mean that all that you are going to listen from Miguel Boim are stories, or made up narratives, or accounts with an enchanted ending. Even more because some of the most beautiful love stories involve broken dreams.
one of the places you will be passing by, in the end of the 19th century; you will have the opportunity to notice the differences by yourself
On the Day of the Walk
What will happen?
"Sintra, Kingdom of Love" occurs in the format of a day walk. The best time to do so, it is in the after lunch so that you can enjoy the afternoon luminosity and the resplandecent green that the sunny rays provoke in the leafs.
The meeting point will be near the historical center and you'll find some agitation in the first minutes of the walk, although after that you will enter in the green and laced forest cover. Like the path will take you to the summits were you will observe the historical center and some monuments around (Pena Palace, Sintra's Castle, other monuments less known to foreigners), you'll find some rough terrain and some obstacles that can be easily surpassed by who don't have mobility limitations.
After it you will descend from the Mountain, listening to the wind and the waters that run over the soil in some parts, until you reach the vicinity of the population, where your eyes will find in the distance in open field, the Atlantic, the waters and tides that carrying old boats, made in the past people that were set apart, to be brought to Sintra to, in hearts, be reunited.
The route it's about six kilometres and, with the stopping points where Miguel Boim will tell you some stories and some of the history from the past, it will take around 3h30 or 4h. If the fog descends in the middle of the afternoon you may not be able to see some of the monuments from the outside and possibly some of the landscapes. In the day before you'll be advise about the clothing, since weather can change quickly here in the Mountain. You are not going to be completely isolated, nor in a crowd.
one of the places you will be passing by; picture taken
by Miguel Boim in Spring time
Synopsys / Teaser
Having the magic Sintra Mountain in front of us, where long rains of a tearful sky fall in the Winter and in the Autumn, as the mists envelop the Mountain where sorrowful lovers seek shelter and comfort in the nature, we will plunge into the past of Portugal's history, going beyond the facts and dates, entering into the hearts of Humans who lived here some of their broken dreams, who here in Sintra and in contentment have attained some of their most intense emotions.
Memories present in journals and diaries, as well a in lost letters, will show you stories of people that portuguese know by name, but not by heart. The small details from the 1800's and 1700's society - known just for those who daily study them, like Miguel Boim - will help you to compound the fragments of the past in your chest.
in the middle of Sintra Mountains, in the 18th century
On Trust and Safety
Code of Conduct
No smoking or making noise.
It is forbidden to take species of fauna, flora, or geological ones.
Please stay close to the person who is guiding the group, avoiding to be absent without previous communication, in any circumstance.
Safety
The personal data is necessary for insurance purposes as well as to fully accomplish with the legislation of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park.
It is necessary to provide data from third parties (close relatives or others, from the country of origin of the participants).
Minimum age: from 12/14 years of age, according to what specified in each theme.
By booking this activity you assume that your health conditions are perfect for walking (having in mind the ups and downs of the route) between 200 and 470 meters above sea level for around 4 hours.
It is necessary to specify medication a participant is taking and which can be relevant for his health condition when not taken.
This activity fully accomplishes with the required by law and fulfills the payment of the taxes implied by law.
It is necessary that the participants proceed accordingly to what stated by the guide in the briefing as well as during the activity, as well as to what may be requested by any element of portuguese authority, of those which patrol the mountains at night: the National Guard Republican (G.N.R.), security of Parques de Sintra Monte da Lua (in SUV or on foot), Portuguese Army (in SUV or on foot), Civil Protection (in SUV or on foot), ICNF - Instituto da Conservação da Natureza e Florestas (in SUV or on foot). It is important to keep these elements in mind to know to who should you provide your idenfication if needed.
You may ask for advice on safety in general as well as related to rented vehicles (special attention in this regard) and possible pickpockets (during the day and in crowded places).
For Your Comfort
Do not hesitate to ask questions before the tour and as well as during the tour; it is very important that you can notice the pretended transparency.
Proper footwear and clothing (you'll be advised on the best of both, according to the time of year and near the date weather conditions).
Start time can be exact as well as end time; but please notice that the end time can be inaccurate - if not otherwise strictly required.
The option for dinner in one person tour is to be taken in a non-tourist restaurant, with a liter drink, main plate, dessert, and coffee.
Groups with two people up have no meal included.
You can inquire where the best place to have your meals.
Information on how to avoid tourist crowds during the day in Sintra can be requested.
If desired, pick up and deliver in Lisbon can be required beforehand, having the extra cost of 200€ - not included in the given price - for every 4 people.
Cancellations and Refunds
Cancellations with partial refund of the money (70% of the total amount) are possible if made until 72 hours before the begining of the activity.
The partial refund of the money can take up to 7 days after the date of the activity.
In case of rain the activity will be maintained; in case of warning (Aviso) or alert (Alerta) by the authorities (Civil Protection, ICNF) the activity will be canceled with the consequent refund of the amount paid (100%).
The Village and the Mountains in the begining of
one foggy night, by Miguel Boim
legal notice: rnaat 1808/2017
Some Images of What You May Encounter
In forest, as the sun is making his way down towards the ocean.
Actual picture taken from the day walk (Sintra, Kingdom of Love) route.
Photographer credits: Miguel Boim.
A fountain with an arab soul.
Although from the begining of the 20th century, it evokes the arab love legends related with Sintra.
Actual picture taken near route of the day walk (Sintra, Kingdom of Love).
Photographer credits: Miguel Boim.
Pena Palace drawbridge.
And what love accounts do we have from when the palace was being built?
Digital work from an old picture: Miguel Boim.
A wooden passage over a rivulet.
When the forest were less dense, the streams and rivulets carried away love accounts that reached us today.
Actual picture taken from the day walk (Sintra, Kingdom of Love) route.
Photographer credits: Miguel Boim.
The old Royal Palace of Sintra.
The Royal Palace it is perfect for you to understand the borders of the legends and the limits of
the legendary history - on love, of course.
Actual picture taken from the day walk (Sintra, Kingdom of Love) route.
Photographer credits: Miguel Boim.
Child Harold's Pilgrimage.
The cover of one of the first editions. Its author has exalted Sintra in a way that only a ruined heart would be able to.
A fall tree that has survived a storm.
Love storms are also what you are going to hear during the route. Some say that broken dreams are
the most beautiful love memories.
Actual picture taken from the day walk (Sintra, Kingdom of Love) route.
Photographer credits: Miguel Boim.
The old train station.
And the place where is sit, which holds one of the deepest love accounts of Portuguese History,
though it is not valued as such.
A water fall, known in the past as the "fountain of the little kiss".
But still today, in lonely Autumn days it can hold a couple in love, the same way the couple embraces themselves.
Actual picture taken from the day walk (Sintra, Kingdom of Love) route.
Photographer credits: Miguel Boim.
3
Prices / Booking
your cicerone:
the author and researcher
Miguel Boim
lectures and speeches on Sintra's history to more than 12K people - as to 2018 data
in this video of the portuguese channel dedicated to culture, Miguel Boim
gives body to Süskind's walker, Mr. Sommer
Sintra:
Dreams in the Woods and Chants From the Ocean
night walk
day walk also possible, having in mind the conditions of the ambience, mentioned above
1 person: 150€ (total)*
for one person, dinner with Miguel Boim in a more traditional (and less tourist) place is included
in the price
2 persons: 200€ (total)*
3 persons: 250€ (total)*
4 persons: 300€ (total)*
5 persons: 320€ (total)*
6 to 10 persons: 55€ per person*
* all values are taxes declared
This thematic walk need to be confirmed (paid, with the confirmation of the transaction) until 3 days before the date in which it will be made. In order to have your walk guaranteed it is advisable to book in the most advance you can, due to Miguel Boim schedule.
send email
the presentation of the book Sintra Lendária, in the Grémio Literário, by Basílio Horta, Mayor of Sintra Municipality
Miguel Boim being received by the students of a school in the Municipality of Sintra
second edition of Miguel Boim and Sintra's iconic book Sinta Lendária, with a deep and heartful insight on the side of History which resembles the same enchantment of legends and tales
On Trust and Safety
Code of Conduct
No smoking or making noise.
It is forbidden to take species of fauna, flora, or geological ones.
Please stay close to the person who is guiding the group, avoiding to be absent without previous communication, in any circumstance.
Safety
The personal data is necessary for insurance purposes as well as to fully accomplish with the legislation of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park.
It is necessary to provide data from third parties (close relatives or others, from the country of origin of the participants).
Minimum age: from 12/14 years of age, according to what specified in each theme.
By booking this activity you assume that your health conditions are perfect for walking (having in mind the ups and downs of the route) between 200 and 470 meters above sea level for around 4 hours.
It is necessary to specify medication a participant is taking and which can be relevant for his health condition when not taken.
This activity fully accomplishes with the required by law and fulfills the payment of the taxes implied by law.
It is necessary that the participants proceed accordingly to what stated by the guide in the briefing as well as during the activity, as well as to what may be requested by any element of portuguese authority, of those which patrol the mountains at night: the National Guard Republican (G.N.R.), security of Parques de Sintra Monte da Lua (in SUV or on foot), Portuguese Army (in SUV or on foot), Civil Protection (in SUV or on foot), ICNF - Instituto da Conservação da Natureza e Florestas (in SUV or on foot). It is important to keep these elements in mind to know to who should you provide your idenfication if needed.
You may ask for advice on safety in general as well as related to rented vehicles (special attention in this regard) and possible pickpockets (during the day and in crowded places).
For Your Comfort
Do not hesitate to ask questions before the tour and as well as during the tour; it is very important that you can notice the pretended transparency.
Proper footwear and clothing (you'll be advised on the best of both, according to the time of year and near the date weather conditions).
Start time can be exact as well as end time; but please notice that the end time can be inaccurate - if not otherwise strictly required.
The option for dinner in one person tour is to be taken in a non-tourist restaurant, with a liter drink, main plate, dessert, and coffee.
Groups with two people up have no meal included.
You can inquire where the best place to have your meals.
Information on how to avoid tourist crowds during the day in Sintra can be requested.
If desired, pick up and deliver in Lisbon can be required beforehand, having the extra cost of 200€ - not included in the given price - for every 4 people.
Cancellations and Refunds
Cancellations with partial refund of the money (70% of the total amount) are possible if made until 72 hours before the begining of the activity.
The partial refund of the money can take up to 7 days after the date of the activity.
In case of rain the activity will be maintained; in case of warning (Aviso) or alert (Alerta) by the authorities (Civil Protection, ICNF) the activity will be canceled with the consequent refund of the amount paid (100%).
The Village and the Mountains in the begining of
one foggy night, by Miguel Boim
legal notice: rnaat 1808/2017