Pena National Palace (Palácio Nacional da Pena) is one of the finest examples of 19th-century Romanticism in the world. Standing atop a peak in the Sintra Mountains, its vivid colors—yellow, red, and blue—and eclectic mix of architectural styles make it look like something out of a Disney movie. On a clear day, it can be seen from Lisbon.
A King's Artistic Vision
The palace was the brainchild of King Ferdinand II, a German prince who married into the Portuguese royal family. He acquired the ruins of an old Hieronymite monastery destroyed by the 1755 earthquake and decided to transform it into a summer palace. The construction took place between 1842 and 1854.
- Architectural Fusion: Ferdinand wanted a palace that reflected an opera set. The result is a wild mix of Neo-Gothic, Neo-Manueline, Neo-Islamic, and Neo-Renaissance styles. You can see medieval battlements next to Moorish arches and intricate Portuguese stone carving.
- The Triton Arch: One of the most famous features is the allegorical gateway, guarded by a terrifying statue of Triton, a mythological sea monster, symbolizing the creation of the world.
The Park of Pena
Surrounding the palace is a vast forested park covering 200 hectares. King Ferdinand II ordered trees from every continent to be planted here, creating a botanical wonderland. You can find North American Sequoias, Japanese Cryptomerias, and ferns from New Zealand growing side by side.
Interior: Frozen in 1910
The interior of the palace has been preserved exactly as it was in 1910, when the Portuguese royal family fled to exile in Brazil following the revolution. The table is set for dinner, and personal items remain in the bedrooms, offering an intimate look at the daily life of the last kings of Portugal.
Visitor Tips
- Transport: Do not try to drive to the palace gates; the roads are narrow and parking is non-existent. Take the 434 tourist bus from Sintra train station.
- Wind and Fog: The microclimate of Sintra means the palace is often shrouded in mist (which adds to the mystery) or buffeted by strong winds, even when it is sunny in Lisbon. Bring layers.
- High Cross: For the best photo of the palace itself, hike to the Cruz Alta (High Cross), the highest point in the Sintra hills.