XIII Exhibition of Camellias

On 28 February and 1 March, the Parques de Sintra Camellia Exhibition returns to the heart of the historic centre, in front of the National Palace of Sintra, for its 13th edition. In addition to the exhibition and the competition celebrating the finest camellia specimens, the event will also feature free workshops and the sale of products related to this emblematic flower.

Blooming between October and April, the camellias that fill the gardens and estates of Sintra have become a true symbol of the Sintra winter, inspiring balls and celebrations throughout history. With the aim of enhancing this unique botanical heritage and bringing it closer to an ever-wider audience, Parques de Sintra promotes an annual exhibition that brings together some of the region’s most remarkable camellia collections, with the participation of several historic estates and gardens.

In addition to Sintra’s gardens with renowned public collections — such as the Park of Pena, whose collection began in the 19th century on the initiative of Ferdinand II and which has been recognised since 2014 as a Garden of Camellias of Excellence by the International Camellia Society — these hills are home to around 200 estates, many of which hold important private camellia collections.

In addition to the exhibition, and with the aim of showcasing this extensive heritage, over the following weekends until 21 March, visitors are invited to visit camellia collections such as those at Parque da Liberdade, Chalet Biester, Quinta do Relógio and Quinta da Regaleira.

This initiative is organised in collaboration with the Association of Estate Owners in the Serra de Sintra and the Portuguese Camellia Association.