The Sintra mountain range forms a condensa tion barrier for the prevailing moisture-laden N-NW winds and creates the conditions for the development of an exuberant vegetation. A place of mystery, famous for its atmosphere and populated since prehistoric times, of great splendour during the Arab occupation, was the destination of summer holidays and a refuge for the court, with a golden period at the end of the 18th century and throughout the 19th century. In the 20th century, the reforestation began with the maritime pine, then the Buçaco cedar, native to Central America, and the Australian eucalyptus. Today, only 1% of the natural tree vegetation remains.