Pena Palace - a fairytale symbol of Portugal in the mountains of Sintra

History of creation and architecture

The Pena Palace project was implemented on the initiative of King Ferdinand II, who in 1838 acquired the ruins of an ancient monastery destroyed by the earthquake of 1755. From 1842 to 1854, under the direction of the German architect Wilhelm von Eschwege, an eclectic romantic palace was built here, combining elements of Gothic, Manueline, Moorish architecture and Renaissance.

Impressive facades and interiors

The palace's bright facades - yellow, red and blue - are decorated with turrets, battlements and statues of mythical creatures. The interiors have been completely preserved since the 19th century: the royal chambers, chapel, library, state rooms and the Throne Room with stucco and stained glass.

Pena Park - a botanical paradise

Pena Park is spread over an area of about 200 hectares. It is conceived as a romantic landscape park with paths, pavilions, exotic trees and secret corners. Here you can find cedars, sequoias, cryptomerias, ferns, and from the observation platforms you can enjoy panoramic views of Sintra, the Atlantic and even Lisbon.

Status and Legacy

Since 1910, the palace has been a national monument of Portugal. In 1995, it was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the Cultural Landscape of Sintra, one of the first examples of romantic design of the natural and architectural environment in Europe.

Useful information

• Palace opening hours: 09:30 to 18:30 (last entry at 18:00)
• Park opening hours: 09:00 to 19:00
• Closed on December 25 and January 1
• How to get there: by train from Lisbon to Sintra station (~40 min), then by bus 434 or on foot (~30–50 min uphill)
• Best time to visit: spring and autumn (March–May, September–November) – fewer tourists and mild climate

Why Pena is a must-see in Portugal

The Pena Palace is not just an architectural marvel. It is a journey into the world of romance, fantasy and royal aesthetics. Here legends come to life, and the views and atmosphere remain in the memory forever.

Do you want to see Portugal through the eyes of kings?

Tempussit organizes individual and group trips to the most beautiful corners of the country: Sintra, Lisbon, Porto, Algarve, Azores and much more. You will find comfortable transfers, Russian-speaking guides and routes designed with attention to detail.

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