About Park of Pena Palace
The Park of Pena Palace is spread across 200 hectares and was created at the same time as the castle by King Ferdinand II. Baron von Eschwege and Baron von Kessler assisted the king in the formation of the exotic park. Today, you’ll witness the Pena Palace surrounded with rich imported trees and plants brought from all over the world filling the park with luxurious natural beauty. Read on to find out more about the park of Pena Palace, highlights, things to do and lots more before you make a visit.
Park of Pena Palace at a Glance
- The park of Pena Palace is open from 9 AM to 7 PM. Last entry is at 6 PM.
- Park of Pena Palace is located right outside the castle. The palace is about 4 km away from the Sintra National Palace and is easily accessible by bus, train, and car. You can also board the tram to Praia das Maçãs which will take you directly to Moorish Castle and Pena Palace.
- Due to safety reasons post lockdown, it is advised to book your tickets online before arriving at the venue.
- It is best to arrive as early as possible to avoid overcrowding at the venue. In the high season, avoid sightseeing around 11-12 and 3-4, when it's very busy.
Highlights
The statue of King Fernando II
One of the prominent displays of the park of Pena Palace is the large statue of King Fernando II positioned about a half a mile from the palace on a granite outcrop of rocks. The entire statue is made up of stone apart from its iron spear.
Fern Gardens
The Queen’s Fern Valley adjoining the Camellia Garden houses a series of tree ferns, most of which had been imported from Australia and New Zealand. Head down to visit the lush green gardens to immerse yourself in the vast exotic collection.
Southern View Point
Witness the stunning view from the park of Pena Palace as you look down from its highest point situated on the south. It would take approximately 30 minutes to reach a height of 529 meters. You can also enjoy the deep lakes along with a variety of fish and ducks as you make your way to the east of the park.
Chalet da Condessa d'Edla
Chalet da Condessa d'Edla, also known as the house of Indulgence, is a small chalet built between 1864 and 1869 for King Ferdinand II and his second wife and opera singer Elise Hensler, the future Countess of Edls which can be spotted in the west end of the pena park. Though less visited, the alpine-inspired summer getaway cottage continues to remain as one of most fascinating sites within the park.
Cruz Alta
Situated on the highest peak of the park is the Cruz Alta located 529 meters above the sea level. It offers one of the best panoramic views of the countryside and a postcard view of the Pena Palace. The cross that you see today is replaced by a 16 century cross which was put in place by King João III.
Fountain of the small birds
It is a Neo-Moorish pavilion built with a hexagonal footprint. The top of the structure is covered in the form of a dome containing Arabic inscriptions. As you step in you’ll notice a fountain with clear water. Records state that the pavilion was designed by Baron von Eschwege and built by master João Henriques in 1840.
Why Visit the Park of Pena Palace
- The park of Pena palace is home to over 2000 species of plants most of which have been brought in from different countries representing a unique exotic garden. These include North American Sequoia, Lawson's Cypress, Chinese Ginkgo, Japanese Cryptomeria, and many more.
- The park of Pena palace is situated on the highest peaks of Serre de Sintra where you’ll get to witness an incredible view of the town and its countryside.
- Designed by King Fernando II, the park of Pena Palace resembles the unique taste of Romanticism as applied to the park.
- The park of Pena Palace has been further divided into several gardens featuring small decorative buildings, waterfalls, ponds, fountains and lakes filled with ducks and fishes which is a definite treat to watch.
- Capture the stunning scenery of the Moorish Castle, Pena Palace, Cruz Alta and the Atlantic ocean from the far distant.