PENA PALACE (PALÁCIO DA PENA)

Pena Palace, located close to the summit of the Sintra mountain, is built on a 12th-century chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Originally a pilgrimage site and monastery, it gained fame for surviving natural disasters. In 1834, Portugal dissolved religious orders, ending the monastery’s era.

In the 19th century, King Ferdinand of Portugal, inspired by Romanticism, transformed the monastery into a fairy-tale castle. He envisioned a royal residence reminiscent of Bavarian castles, and in 1838, he acquired the site, initiating extensive restoration work. The palace combines Manueline, Gothic, and Arabesque styles, with vivid terraces, towers, and mythological statues.

Pena Palace is set within the expansive Pena Park, featuring exotic trees, lakes, and follies. The park and palace together form a captivating blend of architecture and nature, designed to be visible from every point in the park. Recognised as one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal in 2007, Pena Palace symbolises history, Romanticism, and architectural brilliance, offering a unique glimpse into Portugal’s royal past.

When you opt for the ScottUrb #434 bus to reach Pena Palace, your adventure begins at the entrance to the grounds, where the former gatehouse serves as the ticket office. Choose between two ticket options: Palace & Park or Park only. For a seamless experience, display your skip-the-line e-ticket on your mobile phone to the staff. Access Pena Palace by taking a brief uphill walk through the park or utilising the electric mini-bus service. To enter the Palace complex, pass through the Arabesque Arch known as the Door of Alhambra, inspired by the Door of Justice in Granada, Spain. Adorned with Islamic styles and ornate tiles, this arch features distinctive crocodile-shaped gargoyles on the cornerstones.

Upon passing through the Door of Alhambra, you'll find yourself on the Coach House Terrace. Here, you'll encounter the Monumental Gate, a fusion of various styles with a somewhat whimsically fortified portal. The diamond spikes on the gate bring to mind the Casa dos Bicos in Lisbon. The gatehouse, complete with decorative cylindrical bartizans and cupolas, guards the top corners. A rounded archway, adorned with dotted ropework and serpents, leads you over a faux drawbridge into the entrance tunnel, guiding you towards the residential wings beyond.When you opt for the ScottUrb #434 bus to reach Pena Palace, your adventure begins at the entrance to the grounds, where the former gatehouse serves as the ticket office. Choose between two ticket options: Palace & Park or Park only. For a seamless experience, display your skip-the-line e-ticket on your mobile phone to the staff. Access Pena Palace by taking a brief uphill walk through the park or utilising the electric mini-bus service. To enter the Palace complex, pass through the Arabesque Arch known as the Door of Alhambra, inspired by the Door of Justice in Granada, Spain. Adorned with Islamic styles and ornate tiles, this arch features distinctive crocodile-shaped gargoyles on the cornerstones.

Upon passing through the Door of Alhambra, you'll find yourself on the Coach House Terrace. Here, you'll encounter the Monumental Gate, a fusion of various styles with a somewhat whimsically fortified portal. The diamond spikes on the gate bring to mind the Casa dos Bicos in Lisbon. The gatehouse, complete with decorative cylindrical bartizans and cupolas, guards the top corners. A rounded archway, adorned with dotted ropework and serpents, leads you over a faux drawbridge into the entrance tunnel, guiding you towards the residential wings beyond.

TERRACE OF THE TRITON

The tunnel opens into the Terrace of the Triton, granting access to both the original monastery wing and the newer palace constructions. Named after the elaborate gateway protected by two domed towers, this terrace features a half-man, half-fish creature known as the Triton. Suspended from a window ledge inside a giant oyster shell, the Triton's hair transforms into vine decoration framing the window. The "Allegoric Gate to the Creation of the World" depicts the Triton as an allegory of the four elements: earth, fire, water, and air. Inspired by Damião de Góis' writing in 1554, the Triton is believed to have been observed singing on a beach west of Sintra whilst sitting on a shell.

The creators of Pena Palace were committed to conserving the essence of the original Hieronymite monastery, ensuring the preservation of key features like the cloisters, dining room, sacristy, and the Manueline-Renaissance chapel. Beyond these components, a new addition in the form of the Queen's Terrace was meticulously crafted. Furthermore, an enhancement to the palace came in the form of a clock tower, incorporated in 1843.

MANULINE CLOISTERS

The cloisters functioned as the central hub of the ancient monastery, featuring walls adorned with intricately designed azulejo tiles. While the cloisters were once brighter, the expansion process led to the bricking up of windows. These two-story cloisters, open to the sky, grant access to the Royal Family Dining Room and the Scullery. The lower floor houses the King's apartments, while the Queen's apartments are located on the upper floor. Explore the history and architectural richness of the cloisters at Pena Palace.

DINING ROOM

The dining room used by the King was originally the monastery refectory, which underwent modifications to serve private purposes. Highlighting a vaulted ceiling from the 16th century, characterised by ribbing in the Manueline style, the room boasts 19th-century tiles from the Roseira Factory embellishing its walls. The oak furniture within the dining room holds historical significance, commissioned in 1866 by King Fernando from Casa Gaspar in Lisbon. Explore the unique blend of architectural elements and historical artifacts in the King's dining room at Pena Palace.

KING'S APARTMENTS

Explore the historical significance and unique layout of King Carlos's private quarters at Pena Palace. King Carlos made use of the former Chapter House and adjoining rooms for his private apartments, offering a somewhat modest accommodation compared to the Queen's quarters on the upper floor. Within the King's apartments, you'll find the private living spaces of his Chamberlain and valet, who were constantly by his side.

THE CHAPEL

The initial chapel devoted to Our Lady of Pena has preserved its authenticity since the 16th century. With a small nave featuring a Gothic vaulted ceiling and walls adorned with the original 16th-century azulejo tiles, the chapel remains a testament to its historical roots. Linked directly from Queen Amélia's private chambers at the southern end of the east wing is the Queen's Terrace. This terrace not only offers breathtaking views, but also features a captivating sundial and solar quadrant inscribed with the months of the year and hours of the day. Adding to the charm, a small cannon fires at noon each day.

To access the New Palace, visitors originally ascended the Calabash Stairs (Escada das Cabaças) and passed through a doorway beneath the Triton Arch. These stairs lead to the lavish Reception Room, completed in 1854. Crafted by Italian scenographer Paolo Pizzi, the room incorporates Arabesque elements. The vaulted ceiling is adorned with plant motifs using perspective techniques, creating the illusion of a more expansive space. An exquisite neo-rococo chandelier, shaped like a Morning Glory vine and dating back to the mid-19th century, adds a touch of grandeur. Indian furniture was introduced to the room in 1940.

Originally planned as a Knights Room with medieval-style decor, the Stag Room was intended to feature suits of armor, weapons on the walls, and heraldic stained glass windows. While the central pillar shaped like a tree and antlers around it didn't survive, the large round table did. The room now showcases stags' heads on the walls instead of a domed ceiling. Another notable space, The Noble Hall, initially designed as an ambassador reception hall, underwent a transformation into a billiards room. The Kitchens, the largest room in the palace, served as the preparation area for meals during grand banquets held in the Stag Room. Adorning the walls are copper pots and pans, each marked with King Fernando's monogram. Although only one of the original stoves remains, their chimneys are still intact. Explore the unique history and diverse rooms within the New Palace at Pena.

King Ferdinand envisioned an extraordinary castle, and to complement its fanciful grandeur, he crafted equally magical gardens. Influenced by the German Romanticism movement that inspired Pena Palace's construction, the garden design underwent a transformation, leveraging Sintra's tropical micro-climate and topology. Over 85 hectares of exotic trees and plants from around the world adorn winding paths, offering visitors a captivating experience. Divided into various gardens and landscaped areas, the park showcases pavilions, small decorative buildings, and water features, including waterfalls, ponds, lakes, and fountains. More than a century since King Ferdinand's vision materialized, visitors continue to be enchanted by the enduring magic of these gardens. Explore the allure of Pena Palace's gardens, where history, nature, and magic seamlessly converge. [ More About ► ]

TRAVELLING TO PENA PALACE

There are hiking trails signposted between the historic centre and the National Palace of Pena:
• Santa Maria Trail (Centre to Moorish Castle/Pena; 1770 metres, 1 hour)
• Lapa Trail (Centre to Pena; 1450 metres, 45 minutes)
• Seteais Trail (Centre to Seteais, Pena/Moorish Castle; 2410 metres, 1½ hours)
• Vila Sassetti Trail (Centre - Pena/Moorish Castle; 1850 metres, 45 minutes).

Contact Details
Estrada da Pena, Sintra 2710-609, Portugal.
38° 47' 16"N | 09° 23' 15"W | +351 219 237 300 | info@parquesdesintra.pt |  Website