Parques de Sintra, Monte da Lua (PSML) is a state owned company, established in 2000 (Parliament Bill nº 215/2000, 2nd September), following the recognition by UNESCO of Sintra's Cultural Landscape as a World Heritage site and the necessary commitments to restore, maintain and divulge this historical site.

The shareholders are institutions with local responsibilities, which have transferred their powers over properties within the site to PSML. These establish the cultural and natural places in Sintra.

The Ministry of Environment, which took the initiative to form this managing company, remained, via the ICN (Institute for conservation, later ICNB), with 55% of its shares and transferred the Sintra National Park, the Castle of Moors, the old Royal Hunting Grounds of Mouco (Tapada do Mouco) and adjacent properties, and the Gardens of Monserrate. The Ministry of Culture (via the then IPPAR, now IGESPAR) transferred the management of Monserrate Palace to the care of PSML and was attributed 15% of the company. Finally, The Ministry of Agriculture representing the National Forests governing body (Direcção Geral de Florestas) handed over the Convent of Capuchos, the Tapadas of D.Fernando II and Monserrate, old hunting grounds, and the estates of Seteais and Abelheira. Sintra's Municipality held the remaining 15% of the capital.

Recently (Parliament Bill nº 292/2007, 21st August), IPPAR was replaced as a shareholder by the Institute of Museums and Conservation (Instituto dos Museus e Conservação - IMC), increasing its shareholding power to 34%, and the Ministry of Agriculture was replaced by the Portuguese Tourism Authority. With these alterations in the company the management of Pena Palace was  also  assigned to PSML.

The shareholding bodies of PSML currently are:
- Instituto da Conservação da Natureza e Biodiversidade (Institude for Nature Conservation and Biodiversity (36%);
- Instituto dos Museus e Conservação (Institute of Museums and Conservation) 34%
- Turismo de Portugal (Portuguese Tourism Authority) (15%);
- Câmara Municipal de Sintra (Municipality of Sintra) (15%)

With a board of three directors the company manages the main tourist attractions in Sintra, these are:

Park and Palace of Pena
Moorish Castle
Gardens and Palace of Monserrate
Convent of Capuchos

The conservation of these cultural and natural sites is the mais responsability of the PSML company. Its profits are mainly from the ticket sales to the 780.000 yearly visits. Hence, one of the company´s main concerns is to increase visits and ensure improving satisfaction from all visitors.

All sites have regular cultural activities, themed visits and entertainment for all ages with a strong didactic component. The Parks and historical sites of Sintra are open every day (apart from the 25th December and the New Year´s day) providing a limitless experience. Make is a family day and come and enjoy them!

Sintra, January 2008.

António Lamas (CEO of PSML, SA)