International experts debate ‘Leisure and Pleasure in Iberian Court Residences’ at the next edition of the Sintra Summer School

Following the success of the first edition, held in 2024, Sintra Summer School returns to the National Palaces of Sintra, Queluz and Pena, from 1 to 5 September this year, to debate a new theme: "Leisure and Pleasure in the Iberian Court Residences (15th-18th centuries)". The course will feature experts dedicated to studying these issues in the context of the Iberian courts and is organised jointly by Parques de Sintra; the Universidad Complutense de Madrid; the Fundación Carlos de Amberes; CHAM - Centro de Humanidades, FCSH/Nova, UAç; the Falcoaria Real | Câmara Municipal de Salvaterra de Magos; and the Institut Universitaire de France.

In addition to the main residences, the European royal courts maintained a network of satellite properties for leisure and pleasure, functioning as fundamental spaces for the monarchs and their courtly structure. These historic sites, now recognised as emblematic tourist destinations, have been the subject of growing academic interest for their role in Modern Age diplomacy, the construction of aristocratic social networks, and the affirmation of royal magnificence. Recent research has deepened the analysis of the organisational dimensions of court stays, the activities carried out there, the social dynamics promoted, and the sensory experiences of those involved.

Sintra Summer School 2025 brings together national and international experts dedicated to the study of leisure and pleasure in the context of the Iberian courts, articulating their knowledge with the exceptional historical spaces dedicated to the entertainment of monarchs and courts. The main sessions will cover festivities and banquets, music, theatre, dance, equestrian art, falconry and other expressions of courtly culture.

This immersive programme, which includes a court dance workshop and exclusive opportunities to watch demonstrations of equestrian art and falconry, offers participants a unique opportunity to examine and debate the cultural and spatial dimensions of pleasure and leisure in palatial contexts of Spain and Portugal. In this context, the history and experiences of the National Palaces of Sintra, Queluz and Pena, which host the course, are essential objects of study, and the programme includes visits to these monuments.

With this new edition of the summer school, Parques de Sintra is continuing its mission to research, produce and disseminate knowledge about the heritage under its cares, with the collaboration of prestigious national and foreign educational institutions.

The Sintra Summer School is aimed at undergraduate, master's and doctoral students in history, art history, museology, and heritage; professionals working in the field of heritage and museums; and the general public with a specific interest in the subject. As this is an international course, the working language will be English. Applications for the 30 places available are open until 28 April and must be made on the Parques de Sintra website or by emailing [email protected]. They require the submission of a duly completed application form, CV, and motivation letter. Selected participants will be informed during the month of May.