Pena Palace

Pena Palace is one of the world's most magnificent palaces and an outstanding example of 19th-century Romanticism in Europe.

Perched high above a landscape of verdant hills and sparkling coastline, the palace was intended as a summer retreat for the Portuguese royal family.

The site's history can be traced back to the Middle Ages when a chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Pena was erected on the top of the hill.

Legend has it that construction occurred after an apparition of the Virgin Mary.

Two centuries later, King Manuel I ordered the building of a monastery on the site, which was donated to the Order of Saint Jerome.

For centuries, Pena was a small, quiet place for meditation.

Unfortunately, the 1755 Lisbon earthquake reduced the monastery to ruins.

The ruins remained untouched for decades until King Ferdinand II decided to acquire the old monastery and the surrounding lands in 1838.

Ferdinand was one of the most cultured individuals in nineteenth-century Portugal, gaining national recognition as the King-Artist.

Pena Palace: view from an outside terrace
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The commission for the Romantic-style rebuilding was given to mineralogist and mining engineer Wilhelm Ludwig von Eschwege.

A German amateur architect, von Eschwege had extensive knowledge of contemporary castle design.

It took 12 years to complete the construction.

With its vibrant yellow and red facades, it became a masterpiece of Romantic architecture.

The exotic taste of Romanticism also influenced the park's design, where the King planted tree species from every continent.

Pena Palace, panoramic view of the palace and the park
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After the death of Ferdinand, the palace passed to his son, King Luis, and then to Ferdinand's grandson, King Carlos I, the last King of Portugal before the Republican Revolution of 1910.

Queen Amelia spent her last night here before leaving the country in exile.

Palacio da Pena sits atop a rocky outcrop, the second-highest peak of the Sintra hills.

There is a vast view from its terraces, ranging from the ocean in the distance on one side to the city of Lisbon looking eastwards.

The palace features a captivating mix of Moorish, Gothic, and Renaissance styles, offering a unique and intriguing perspective.

Pena Palace: a closer view to the palace's architecture
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Pena Palace: view of a terrace and the Gothic style red tower
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There are many references to other notable Portuguese buildings.

For example, the rose-red painted tower shares many similarities with Belem Tower in Lisbon.

Many elements from the old monastery were incorporated into the new structure.

The Manueline Cloister, which was constructed in 1511, clearly reflects the small scale of the religious community living here.

The small size of the convent added to the intimacy of Ferdinand's residence.

One of the most striking features is the Triton Terrace, named after the mythological sea god who adorns its entrance.

Pena Palace: Triton Terrace
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The interior is equally fascinating as the exterior, with opulent furnishings, intricate frescoes, and dazzling stained-glass windows.

The Great Hall is the largest room, serving as a leisure and socialization area that provides guests with a relaxing ambiance.

This Sitting Room displays the only mural painting with figuration in the palace. The perspective creates the illusion of a broader space than it actually is.

The Queen's Terrace offers a great view of the palace's architecture. It displays a sundial cannon that used to fire every day at noon.

Other highlights include the Dining Room and Pantry, the Bedroom of Ferdinand II, or the Chambers of King Carlos.

Pena Palace: the Dining Room
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The park surrounding Pena Palace is a world unto itself. Amidst the lush vegetation, one can find cascading waterfalls and exotic plants from around the world.

Pena Palace park
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The park has a maze-like system of paths and narrow roads that connect the palace to various points of interest throughout the grounds.

These include the Queen's Fern Valley, the Grotto of the Monk, or the Chalet and Garden of the Countess of Edla.

Pena Palace: Chalet and Garden of the Countess of Edla, garden view
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One of the most interesting displays is the Chalet and Garden of the Countess of Edla, designed by Ferdinad's second wife.

Pena Palace: Chalet and Garden of the Countess of Edla, front view
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Perfectly integrated into the surrounding nature, this delightful alpine-style chalet features an exterior decorated with local cork.

Pena Palace: Chalet and Garden of the Countess of Edla, forest view
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A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal, Pena Palace is a national monument and one of the finest tourist attractions in Europe.