In short, YES!!! Pena Palace in Sintra is one of Portugal’s most iconic places to visit — a romantic palace on the top of a mountain surrounded by a forest. Located just about 30 minutes from Lisbon, it’s an easy trip.
Book in advance since buying tickets at the start of the visit is impossible. And try to avoid the busiest hours from 12h to 16h.
When planning a trip to Portugal, you may wonder if visiting the Pena Palace in Sintra is worth visiting. This picturesque palace, perched on a hilltop, is one of the country’s most iconic landmarks and has a rich history as a former royal summer residence.
However, it’s essential to consider various factors, such as time constraints, personal interests, and tourist popularity, to determine if the Pena Palace should be on your must-visit list.
While exploring Pena Palace and its grounds, you’ll encounter stunning architecture, vibrant colors, and breathtaking panoramic views. The palace is relatively small, reflecting its historical purpose as a royal summer house. However, its charm lies within its romanticism and whimsical design, which can enchant visitors for hours. Remember that the high season tends to draw large crowds, and visiting this popular location may take up to half a day.
Besides Pena Palace, Sintra offers various other attractions, such as the National Palace, the Castle of the Moors, Quinta da Regaleira, and Monserrate. Depending on your preferences, you might find these alternative destinations equally, if not more, interesting. Ultimately, the decision to visit Pena Palace will depend on your tastes, priorities, and available time during your trip to Portugal.
History of Pena Palace
Before you visit Pena Palace, it’s essential to understand its rich history. Pena Palace’s origins date back to the Middle Ages when local inhabitants built a small chapel on the top of the mountain to honor “Our Lady of the Pena”. This is also where it gets its name from.
In the sixteen century, it was rebuilt and served as a monastery to house 18 monks as its permanent inhabitants. The building was damaged by a lightning event and the Great Lisbon Earthquake of 1755.
Prompting King Ferdinand II to acquire the monastery and transform it into a summer residence for the Portuguese royal family.
The architectural style of the palace is a mix of Romanesque Revival and Neo-Manueline, designed by architects Wilhelm Ludwig von Eschwege and Ferdinand II of Portugal itself.
It is said that most of the iconic features of the palace were due to Ferdinand II’s romantic nature and the desire to gift the queen and the Portuguese people for welcoming him as their King (Ferdinand II was the son of an Austrian prince).
From summer house to current days
After the king’s death, his second wife inherited the castle, which was the cause of a lot of commotion in public opinion at the time. Elisa Hendler (Countess of Edla) agreed to sell the palace back to the Portuguese crown but kept a small chalet in the middle of the mountains where she continued to live.
As a family summer house, the palace’s interiors may not be as grand as other royal estates, but its unique design and charm contributed significantly to its appeal.
Over the years, Pena Palace’s vibrant colors faded, turning grey. This changed when the palace was classified as a National Monument in 1910 and later became a pivotal part of the Cultural Landscape of Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in 1995. The management of the Park of Pena and the palace eventually shifted to Parques de Sintra in 2000 and 2007, respectively.
When exploring Pena Palace, you’ll witness the impact of the various architectural styles and the story of its evolution from a humble chapel to a monastery to a stunning royal residence. This historical background will enable you to appreciate the site and its significance in Portugal’s cultural landscape even more.
Architectural Highlights
Exterior Features
As you approach Pena Palace, you will immediately notice its vibrant colors and eclectic architecture, making it a unique attraction. The painted palace, red, yellow, and blue tiles make quite the view as you enter the gates.
The palace blends several architectural styles, such as Neo-Gothic, Neo-Manueline, Islamic, and Neo-Renaissance, giving it a whimsical appearance that draws thousands of visitors each year and has been recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal.
Even though it is possible to find so many architectural styles in the same palace, this was not the case with multiple constructions throughout the ages. Alongside the monastery reconstruction, everything was built in one go. The mixing styles were meant to be a tribute to all architectural styles found in palaces and castles around Portugal.
Walking around the palace grounds, you’ll be amazed by the structure’s intricate details and designs. For example, the Alhambra Gate is said to have been inspired by the fortress of Granada, a notable feature you should look out for during your visit.
Also, don’t miss the famous “Triton” that guards the main door – another feature inspired by Portuguese decorative style.
Tip: Search for the roses with inscriptions; they are King Ferdinand II’s secret genealogy tree that goes back to the esoteric order of the Rosy Cross.
You’ll have plenty to discover during your visit.
Interior Design
Stepping inside the Pena Palace, you’ll be immersed in a world of luxury that once served as the summer residence for the Portuguese royal family. The palace’s interior is not as glorious as some royal palaces; however, the details, furnishings, and overall atmosphere make it a worthwhile visit.
You’ll notice the stunning hand-painted tiles throughout the palace, along with the exquisite woodwork and ornamental plaster, all of which contribute to the charm and historical significance of the Pena Palace.
Exploring further, you will find various rooms and settings that offer insights into the lives of the royals who once resided there. You can also marvel at the intricacy and craftsmanship that went into creating this architectural masterpiece.
Pena Park
While visiting the Pena Palace in Sintra, Portugal, don’t miss exploring the beautiful Pena Park. This impressive park surrounds the palace, offering lush gardens, scenic walking trails, and diverse wildlife and flora.
Gardens and Trails
The picturesque Pena Park invites you to wander its various footpaths, which guide you through an array of breathtaking scenery.
The shaded paths that lead to different attractions within the park were designed with functionality and aesthetics. Depending on how much walking you’re willing to do, a visit to the park can take you anywhere between one hour and 90 minutes.
You’ll discover many intriguing architectural features along these trails, including delightful ponds, picturesque chalets (Edla’s Chalet), and charming statues. These elements contribute to the park’s overall enchanting atmosphere.
Wildlife and Flora
As you meander through the park, you’ll notice the rich variety of wildlife inhabiting the area. Watch for native species, such as squirrels and various bird species, which thrive in this protected environment.
The park’s diverse flora adds a layer of beauty to your visit. Designed by King Ferdinand II, the park’s landscapes contain a wide range of plants worldwide.
This impressive collection showcases everything from eucalyptus trees to camellias, providing a unique setting for visitors to explore.
During your time in Pena Park, don’t forget to stop and appreciate the natural wonders around you.
Practical Information
Getting There
You have several transportation options to visit Pena Palace in Sintra, Portugal. Traveling from Lisbon, you can take a 40-minute train ride from Rossio station to Sintra station. Once you arrive in Sintra, you can take the local bus 434, a taxi, or a tuk-tuk to reach the palace. If you prefer to hike, a scenic trail leads to Pena Palace from the historical center of Sintra; however, be prepared for a steep and challenging walk, which takes approximately 1.5 hours.
Opening Hours and Tickets
Pena Palace is open daily, with visiting hours varying depending on the season. It’s crucial to check the official website before planning your trip for the most up-to-date information on opening hours and any possible closures due to special events or maintenance.
Currently, it’s impossible to buy tickets at the moment of visit. You need to book a reservation with the date and time ticket office.
Book your visit early in the day to escape the more crowded hours between 12h – 16h. Particularly if you’re visiting in the summer and autumn months.
As for ticket prices, an adult “Palace+Park” ticket costs 13.30€, while children between the ages of 6 and 17 can enter for 11.88€. This ticket grants you access to the palace’s interior, the terraces, and Pena Park.
| Adult (18-64) | 13.30 € |
| Youth (6-17) | 11.88 € |
| Senior (65+) | 11.88 € |
| Child (<6) | Free |
| Family Pack* | 46.55 € |
Remember that Sintra is a popular tourist destination, and visiting numerous sights may add up costs. Prioritize which attractions you want to see if you have a limited budget.
Accessibility
In recent years the palace management has made efforts to improve accessibility by providing ramps, handrails, and designated parking spots. A few inclusive pathways were built to provide safe park walks and visit the chalet. Still, some areas may be challenging to navigate. The buses that transfer from the park entrance to the palace and go around the park are equipped with lifts to carry wheelchairs. It’s also possible to rent motorized attachments for wheelchairs for people that want to enjoy more autonomy during the visit. The palace is fitted with elevators for moving between the floors. Most of the staff can use Portuguese sign language. If you require assistance during your visit, it’s recommended to contact the palace staff in advance to discuss your needs and seek any available support and check the accessibility information.
Final thoughts
A royal summer house built on the top of a mountain. A tribute to Portuguese architectural style by a foreign king consort. One of the most iconic views in all country. If you are traveling in Portugal, you shouldn’t miss this palace.
You’ll find a vibrant, colorful, detailed, full of mystical and esoteric curiosities to discover.
Please walk the surrounding park; it’s an excellent way to hide in the shade during hot sunny hours.
Book in advance and escape the high tourist traffic hours. You’ll love your time there.
More to see in Sintra
- Monserrate Palace is an exotic garden oasis lost in the Sintra forest.
- The Moorish Castle is an ancient construction on the top of the mountains.
- Edla’s Chalet is a romantic refuge inside Pena Park.
- Queluz National Palace is one of the last Rococo architecture-style palaces in Europe.