Thousands of people took part in the Parques de Sintra initiative integrated into the European Heritage Days programme, taking the chance to visit Pena and Monserrate during the night time on the 28th and 29th of September.

The initiative was a huge success, with all guided tours and dinners completely sold out during the weeks prior to the event. The Parks of Pena and Monserrate welcomed a total of more than 7,000 guests taking the chance to make a rare night time visit to the area.

The night of the 28th of September was dedicated to the Park and Palace of Pena, where, from 20h to 24h, 3,000 people had the chance to visit the Palace free of charge. At 20h, there was a dinner in the Palace's restaurant, with tickets completely selling out. Guided visits to the Park got underway at 21h30, with visitors heading up towards Serra de Sintra’s highest point (Cruz Alta – High Cross). Visits to the interior of the Palace were also completely sold out.

On the 29th of September, the Palace of Monserrate welcomed 4,000 people from 20h to 24h. The dinner in the Room of Columns was a complete sell out, along with the following visits to the Palace. Another of the evening's highlights was a performance in the Music Room by the Sintra Orchestra.