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Pena National Palace (Palácio Nacional da Pena)

Home > Portugal > Architecture | Castles | Day Trips | Romantic
by Mihaela Schwartz (subscribe)
I am a freelance writer and an avid traveler.
Published July 24th 2014
Portugal's Versailles
Standing on one of Serra de Sintra's peaks, at the heart of a 200 hectares park, Palácio da Pena (Portugal's former royal palace) charms its visitors by an interesting architectural eclecticism and bright colors (mainly yellow and red).

Palacio da Pena


This imposing building that looks like a Bavarian castle was erected in the 19th century upon King Ferdinand II's orders. In 1839, after buying the ruins of a 15th century Jeronymite monastery, this king of Prussian origin entrusted the building of his summer palace of Baron Ludwig von Eschwege. The baron mix different architectural styles - Moorish, Gothic, Renaissance and Manueline – creating an exuberant and colorful building. Construction works began in the mid-nineteenth century and ended in 1885, the very year of the king's death.



In 1910, after the proclamation of the Portuguese Republic, the building became the property of the State, kept as was and opened to the public. The first palace of romantic inspiration in Europe, Palacio da Pena is one of Portugal's top tourist attractions.

Those who want to visit Palacio da Pena in Sintra have first to cross the park, then pass through the Moorish door leading to a courtyard where you can admire the arc of newt, decorated with neo-Manueline details.



Inside, the palace is divided into different rooms, featuring a unique style. The Arab room, as its name suggests it, has frescoes and other ornaments of oriental inspiration. The ballroom mixes oriental details with Prussian windows. The cloister and the chapel feature a Manueline style.

Palacio da Pena


Don't hesitate to stop by the palace's balconies and enjoy the panoramic views over the Atlantic coast and the Tagus River.
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Where: Estrada da Pena, 2710-609 Sintra, Portugal
Your Comment
There are more sites around Sintra worth visiting, but this palace is a real jewel. However, the ocean may not really be seen from there, let alone the Tagus river
by sindj (score: 0|2) 2585 days ago
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