Explore Pena Palace's highlights, history & more

King Ferdinand's transformation of Pena Palace into a summer retreat brought splendor to Sintra, now a UNESCO site. This Romanticism pinnacle radiates Ferdinand II's artistic legacy with vivid colors set against lush greenery and turrets that each...

Founded On

1854

Founded By

Baron Wilhelm Ludwig von Eschwege

Quick Information

ADDRESS

Estrada da Pena, 2710-609 Sintra, Portugal

RECOMMENDED DURATION

3 hours

Timings

09:00–18:30

VISITORS PER YEAR

3200000

TICKETS

From $16.64

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

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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 Tickets and Tours

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Combo: Moorish Castle + Pena Palace & Park Tickets

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Combo: Lisbon Card + Pena Palace Tickets

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The Pena Palace of Sintra is a Romanticist castle completed in 1854. It is situated on a top of a hill above the town of Sintra and can be easily spotted from Lisbon on a clear day. The national monument known for its architectural features and vast forested park welcomes thousands of visitors every year. Read on to find out more about the Pena Palace history, highlights, things to do and lots more before you make a visit.

Why visit Pena Palace?

In 1995, the Pena Palace Sintra was classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
The Pena Palace is listed among one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal.
Witness a unique blend of architectural styles from the Neo-Gothic to Neo-Manueline and even the Neo-Moorish which became prominent in the 1840s.
Pena Palace is known for its colourful terraces and decorative battlements that cannot be missed.
The interiors of Pena Palace are richly decorated with tiles presenting amazing stucco sand Trompe-loeil painted walls.

Need more reasons?

Things to Do at Pena Palace

Enchanting Architecture

Pena Palace's extraordinary architecture is a captivating fusion of vibrant colours, intricate stonework, and a blend of Romantic, Gothic, and Moorish styles. The fairy-tale-like appearance of its turrets and domes, coupled with the ornate detailing, makes it an architectural marvel.

Interior Splendour

Step inside Pena Palace to discover lavishly decorated rooms adorned with opulent furnishings and intricate tilework. The extravagant ambience reflects the eclectic taste of the Portuguese royal family, offering visitors a glimpse into the opulence and grandeur of the 19th-century monarchy.

Inside Pena Palace

Breathtaking Views

Perched at an elevation of 500 meters, Pena Palace offers sweeping panoramic views of Sintra and its idyllic surroundings. The sight of misty hills, lush forests, and the distant Atlantic Ocean creates a mesmerizing backdrop for the palace, making it a photographer's paradise.

Parks and Gardens

The palace is nestled within a vast park, featuring diverse plant species from around the world. Wander through the enchanting gardens, complete with winding paths, tranquil lakes, and hidden grottos, where nature and man-made beauty harmoniously converge.

Park of Pena Palace

The High Cross Terrace

The High Cross Terrace presents a picture-perfect spot to marvel at the palace's colourful facade and the stunning landscape below. Visitors can bask in the beauty of the architecture while taking in the fresh mountain air.

History and Legends

Pena Palace is steeped in history and legends, which guides and informational exhibits skillfully narrate. The tales of Portuguese royalty and the palace's transformation from a ruined monastery into a royal retreat add depth and intrigue to the visitor experience.

History of Pena Palace

How did Pena Palace come to be?

Pena Palace's history is as colorful as its walls. Originally a monastery in the 15th century, it was transformed into a royal palace by King Ferdinand II, who envisioned a summer retreat that combined nature, art, and architecture into one harmonious ensemble. The site of Pena Palace used to be a medieval chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Pena until it was ordered by King Manuel I to build a monastery which was donated to the Order of Saint Jerome. Today, Pena Palace is not only a national treasure but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its architectural innovation and historical significance.

Read on for more historical facts

Who built Pena Palace?

Wilhelm Ludwig von Eschwege, a German architect, was responsible for the initial design and construction of Pena Palace, blending diverse architectural styles to create its enchanting appearance. Nicolau Pires, a Portuguese architect, later contributed to the palace's restoration, ensuring the preservation of its historical and cultural significance for future generations to admire.

Architecture & design of Pena Palace

The Pena Palace houses a rich profusion of styles resembling a lot towards to exotic taste of Romanticism. It houses a mix of several architectural styles such as Neo-Gothic, Neo-Manueline, New-Romanesque along with other Oriental styles such as Neo-Moorish and Indo-Gothic most of which has become prominent since the major renovation in the 1840s.

Many of the elements of the convent were well preserved including the cloister, the dinning, the sacristy and the Manueline-Renaissance chapel. All of it was later moved to the new section of the palace that featured a wide and a clock tower. The key highlight would definitely be the Queen’s Terrace as it displayed a sundial cannon that used to fire daily at noon. The clock tower was completed later in 1843.

Architecture of Pena Palace

More about Pena Palace

UNESCO World Heritage Site

Pena Palace, a true marvel of architectural ingenuity, is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This prestigious recognition was granted in 1995, celebrating its exceptional cultural and historical significance. The palace's unique blend of Romantic, Gothic, and Moorish styles, set amidst the picturesque Sintra Mountains, showcases the harmonious integration of man-made beauty. As a symbol of Portugal's rich heritage, Pena Palace attracts visitors from across the globe, offering a captivating journey into the opulence and artistic brilliance of the 19th-century royal retreat.

Beyond Pena Palace

Quinta da Regaleira

This opulent estate is a labyrinth of symbolism, mystery, and beauty. With its intricate gardens, hidden passageways, and enigmatic structures like the Initiation Well, Quinta da Regaleira is a captivating escape into a world of fantasy.

Explore Quinta da Regaleira

Sintra National Palace

This grand palace is a living testament to centuries of Portuguese history and culture. Its iconic twin chimneys dominate the skyline, while its interior boasts stunning Moorish influences and intricate tilework.

Explore Sintra National Palace