19th century transformation of barren Sintra mountain. King Fernando of Portugal in the 18th/19th century and a wealthy Englishman transformed the bare mountain The mountain was originally so barren that goats could not find food Plants were imported from Australia, New Zealand, the Americas, and China
In the 19th century, King Ferdinand II of Portugal transformed Sintra's barren slopes. Born a German prince, the "Artist-King" acquired a ruined monastery and surrounding lands around 1840, envisioning a summer retreat. While specific details about plant imports from Australia, New Zealand, the Americas, and China are not widely documented in available sources, he did undertake extensive Romantic-style renovations that reshaped the landscape. The mountain developed its own unique character, becoming a lush destination that became the first centre of European Romantic architecture.
Key Facts
- King Fernando of Portugal in the 18th/19th century and a wealthy Englishman transformed the bare mountain
- The mountain was originally so barren that goats could not find food
- Plants were imported from Australia, New Zealand, the Americas, and China
- The transformation created a tropical forest in 10-15 years
- The mountain now has its own microclimate with fog and rain even when surrounding areas are sunny
Related site: Sintra / Olisipo — view location, images, and history on the Ancient Nerds map.
Source: The Shaman and the Philosopher - Ep. 18 by Institute for Natural Philosophy