Pena Palace in Sintra | Visit Portugal's Fairy-Tale Castle

Quick Information

ADDRESS

Estrada da Pena, 2710-609 Sintra, Portugal

RECOMMENDED DURATION

3 hours

Timings

09:30–18:30

VISITORS PER YEAR

3200000

TICKETS

From $17.22

NUMBER OF ENTRANCES

EXPECTED WAIT TIME - STANDARD

1-2 hours (Peak), 30-60 mins (Off Peak)

EXPECTED WAIT TIME - SKIP THE LINE

0-30 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)

UNESCO YEAR

1995

Did you know?

Ferdinand II's artistic touch graced Pena Palace with a unique color scheme—red for the original monastery and yellow for the extension. The palace's blend of bright hues and Islamic influences harmoniously coexists with medieval European accents.

Easily visible from Sintra town, Pena Palace boasts yellow minarets and rich parapets. Delve into the "purple wing" within to discover intriguing interior spaces.

In homage to his second wife, the Countess of Edla, Ferdinand II constructed the Chalet of the Countess of Edla—a double-story building seamlessly blending with its urban surroundings.

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Pena Palace & Park Tickets

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Combo: Pena Palace & Quinta da Regaleira Tickets

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Combo: Moorish Castle + Pena Palace & Park Tickets

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Pena Palace Guided Tour

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1 hr. 30 min. - 2 hr.

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How did Pena Palace come to life?

Pena Palace has a story as vibrant as its striking colors. Originally, the site housed a humble medieval chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Pena. In the 15th century, King Manuel I had a monastery built here, which he later gifted to the Order of Saint Jerome. Fast forward to the 19th century, King Ferdinand II reimagined this sacred space into a dreamlike summer palace. His vision was to create a place where nature, art, and architecture could exist in perfect harmony. Today, the palace stands as both a national treasure and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its historical and architectural brilliance.

History of the Pena Palace in a nutshell

Originally a 16th-century monastery dedicated to Our Lady of Pena, the site fell into ruins after the 1755 Lisbon earthquake.
In 1838, King Ferdinand II acquired the property and transformed it into a summer residence, embracing the Romantic ideals of the era.
The palace was completed in 1854 and later became a national monument, eventually earning UNESCO World Heritage status in 1995

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Architecture & design of the Pena Palace

Eclectic architectural styles

The palace is renowned for its amalgamation of various architectural styles, including Neo-Gothic, Neo-Manueline, Neo-Moorish, and Renaissance elements. This eclecticism reflects the Romantic era's fascination with diverse historical and cultural motifs.

Colorful facades

Vivid hues of red, yellow, and blue adorn the palace's exterior, enhancing its fairy-tale appearance and symbolizing different periods of Portuguese history.

Interior design

Inside, the palace boasts ornate rooms with intricate stucco work, trompe-l'œil paintings, and lavish furnishings, exemplifying 19th-century royal opulence.

Symbolic elements

Features like the Triton sculpture and various mythological and religious motifs are integrated throughout, embodying themes of creation and the natural world.

Landscaped gardens

The surrounding Park of Pena is meticulously designed with winding paths, exotic plant species, and decorative structures, reflecting the Romantic ideal of harmony between nature and art

Beyond Pena Palace

Moorish Castle

Distance from Pena Palace: 2 minutes by car (350 meters away)

Moorish Castle is a striking medieval fortress built by the Moors in the 9th century. Its rugged stone walls snake along the ridgeline, offering panoramic views of Sintra’s forests, the Atlantic, and even Lisbon on a clear day.

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Sintra National Palace

Distance from Pena Palace: 19 minutes by car (6.8 kilometers away)

Its twin chimneys are unmistakable, towering over the town’s landscape. Inside, you’ll find rooms adorned with Moorish designs and exquisite tilework that reflect Portugal’s cultural richness.

Visit Sintra National Palace

Quinta da Regaleira

Distance from Pena Palace: 27 minutes by car (8.5 kilometers away)

This enchanting estate is like something out of a fantasy novel, filled with hidden passageways, and symbolic sculptures. Its most famous feature, the Initiation Well, spirals deep into the earth, inviting visitors to uncover its secrets.

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Frequently asked questions about Pena Palace

What is the history of Pena Palace?

Pena Palace's origins trace back to the 12th century with a chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Pena. King Manuel I later built a monastery on this site, which was severely damaged in the 1755 earthquake. In 1838, King Ferdinand II transformed the ruins into the vibrant palace we see today, showcasing a mix of architectural styles.

Is there parking available at Pena Palace?

Access to Pena from the Historic Center of Sintra is not possible by private car. Visitors are encouraged to use public transport or walking routes.

How can I reach Pena Palace from Lisbon?

From Lisbon, take a train (CP) from Oriente, Rossio, or Entrecampos stations to Sintra. From Sintra train station, bus 434 (Scotturb) will take you to Pena.

Are guided tours available at Pena Palace?

Yes, guided tours are available and can enhance your experience by providing in-depth historical and architectural insights. It's advisable to book these tours in advance.

Can I take photographs inside Pena Palace?

Photography is allowed in certain areas of the palace, but the use of flash or tripods may be restricted. It's best to check specific guidelines during your visit.

What architectural styles are represented in Pena Palace?

Pena Palace showcases a blend of Neo-Gothic, Neo-Manueline, Neo-Islamic, and Neo-Renaissance styles, reflecting King Ferdinand II's eclectic taste and the Romanticism movement of the 19th century.

Is there a dress code for visiting Pena Palace?

There is no formal dress code, but comfortable footwear is recommended due to uneven surfaces and steep paths within the park and palace grounds.

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