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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.

Must-see highlights at Pena Palace

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Triton’s Arch

An intricate sculpture symbolizing the creation of the world, blending mythological and natural elements.

Queen’s Terrace

Offers breathtaking vistas of the surrounding landscape and features a unique sundial cannon that once marked noon.

Arab Room

Adorned with Islamic-inspired stucco work and a gilded cupola, reflecting the palace's eclectic design influences.

Great Hall

The largest room in the palace, showcasing opulent furnishings and a grand chandelier.

Chapel

Preserved from the original monastery, featuring a stunning altarpiece by Nicolau de Chanterene.

Park of Pena

An expansive garden with winding paths, exotic plants from around the world, and serene lakes.

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

​More about Pena Palace's history

Who designed the Pena Palace?

The transformation of the monastery into the Pena Palace was overseen by Wilhelm Ludwig von Eschwege, a German engineer and amateur architect. King Ferdinand II played a significant role in the design process, infusing his artistic vision and Romantic sensibilities into the project

Pena Palace architecture

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.

Visit Moorish Castle

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.

Visit Quinta da Regaleira

Frequently asked questions about 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.