Monserrate Palace is a 19th-century palace located in Sintra, Portugal. It was built in a mix of Gothic, Indian, and Moorish styles, and is renowned for its ornate and exotic architectural design. The palace was designed by the English architect James Knowles Jr. for Sir Francis Cook, an English merchant and art collector, who acquired the property in 1856.
The palace features a series of rooms decorated with intricate stucco, tilework, and wood carvings, as well as a collection of antique furnishings and art objects. The central hall is particularly impressive, with a high vaulted ceiling and a large skylight that allows natural light to illuminate the space. The palace also features a large library and a music room with a grand piano.
The surrounding gardens are also a highlight of the palace, with winding paths, water features, and a variety of exotic plants and trees. The gardens were designed by William Nevill, an English landscape architect, and include a fern garden, a rose garden, and a tropical garden with palms and other exotic plants.