Palace East Wall.
Until the 15th century, sharing a meal with his vassals was one of the king's primary functions,
like exercising justice or offering protection. It was one of the main acts of union, so banquets, although occasional, were among the most important events at court.
The monumental Kitchen of the Palace of Sintra was built by D. João I, to serve the entire palace.
Its size is justified by the several hundred people who made up the court and since Sintra was a royal hunting territory, this was the place where game was prepared for banquets.
The emblematic volumes of the two 33-meter-high chimneys have become the symbol of Sintra.