This was taken a good few years back. At this time Sintra was almost an undiscovered gem. Half the fantastical buildings dotted around the town seemed to be in some state of disrepair. Besides the fact some were falling down, this faded-grandeur added a certain amount of charm and mystery to the place.
I never really understood how all this prime, and often beautiful, real estate was so neglected.
Anyway, fast forward fifteen or so years and things have changed. This building has now been completely renovated and is pristine. Still not sure what it is / was.
From an aesthetic point of view I have to say I liked Sintra when it looked like it was surrendering to nature.
