Pena National Palace and Park

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Lisboa > Sintra > Sintra > Santa Maria e São Miguel, São Martinho e São Pedro de Penaferrim

Location

Located at the top of the Sintra Mountains, in the municipality of Sintra, in São Pedro de Penaferrim, it offers incredible views of the region and the Atlantic Ocean on clear days.

Historical Origin

The site began as a chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Pena in the 12th century, later transformed into a monastery by King Manuel I in the 16th century. The monastery was damaged by the 1755 earthquake, and in 1838, King Ferdinand II bought the ruins, beginning the transformation into the current palace.

Architectural Style

The palace is a striking example of 19th-century Romanticism, with a mixture of architectural styles, including Neo-Gothic, Neo-Manueline, Neo-Islamic, and Neo-Renaissance influences. This combination reflects the artistic taste of King Ferdinand II.

Palace Highlights

Among the most notable elements are the Triton Archway, which represents the creation of the world, the colorful tiles that decorate the facades, and the interior decorated with luxurious rooms, such as the Deer Room and the Noble Hall. Also noteworthy is the Chapel, which preserves 16th-century tiles.

Pena Park

The park surrounding the palace, with over 200 hectares, was designed as a romantic garden, inspired by German parks. It features a vast collection of exotic plants from various parts of the world, hiking trails, small constructions such as grottoes and bridges, and the Chalet of the Countess of Edla, built in an Alpine style.

World Heritage

In 1995, the Pena Palace and Park were recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage, included in the Cultural Landscape of Sintra. In 2007, the Palace was elected as one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal.

Tourist Attraction

Open to the public, the Pena National Palace is one of the most visited destinations in Portugal, known for its architectural beauty and natural surroundings. It is a place where you can explore the history of the Portuguese royalty and appreciate the stunning landscape of the Sintra Mountains.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palácio_Nacional_da_Pena

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt