Situated in Sintra, Portugal, the traditional summer resort of the Portuguese court (which was once described by Lord Byron as "Glorious Eden"), Monserrate is one of the most romantic sights in Portugal. A palatial villa, situated in a botanical garden of exotic trees and tropical plants, it was once rented by wealthy Englishman, William Beckford, and later rebuilt by another Englishman, Sir Francis Cook, who hired English architect James Knowles Jr. to carry out the renovation. A work in the Romantic-Orientalist spirit, with its great circular tower, bulbous cupolas and exotic decoration, the building recalls in particular the famous Brighton Pavilion of Nash, and English Romantic architecture, though its Moghul inspired details are unique in Portugal. This beautifully photographed and informative little book traces the history and architecture of this glorious site. SELLING POINTS: ?Published in association with The Society Parques de Sintra - Monte da Lua, responsible for the conservation and management of this remarkable site ?Beautifully photographed and produced ?A succinct introduction to one of the most beautiful sites in Portugal - the gardens and palace of Monserrate were one of the reasons that Sintra was selected by UNESCO as the first Cultural Landscape to be listed in Europe 45 colour illustrations
