“Sintara, Mintara, Sinatra, Santara,” Felix was mumbling some words. “Felix, it’s Sintra. Sintra in Portugal!” Scorch looked at Felix. “Yes, I know. I am just checking if these words can create any magic,” Felix quipped. “Oh, my MysticLord!” Scorch scoffed.
The Gifted Four were in Portugal visiting a hill in the Sintra Mountains. They had heard a lot about a magical castle here called Pena Palace. It is one of the attractive landmarks. These four friends had decided to trek to the site.
“Oh! My crystal ball tells me that this was a chapel in the 12th Century, then it was a monastery,” Verum said.
“But then how did it become a palace,” asked Felix.
“An earthquake in 1755 destroyed the monastery. It became a palace after Queen Maria II married Ferdinand of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha in 1836. The prince had a great interest in art. He acquired the monastery and ordered it to be restored,” looking at Felix, Verum added, “No, Felix, don’t pray just yet. His love for art made this monastery into a palace!”
“Really! That’s how it became a palace!” Felix was amused.
“Today, it is a national monument and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal.