Pena Park

Category: Nature > Park

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

Location

Pena Park is located in Sintra, integrated into its picturesque mountain range. Its elevated position, in the heart of this classified landscape, offers panoramic views that extend across the surrounding area, encompassing the town of Sintra, the western coast, and, on days with good visibility, the city of Lisbon in the distance. This vast natural and landscape space envelops the iconic palace, in a deliberate symbiosis between human intervention and the singular beauty of the mountains.

A Romantic Vision

Conceived in the 19th century, Pena Park is the result of the unique vision of King Ferdinand II. This vast property, with over 200 hectares, was carefully planned to complement the romantic architecture of the palace, forming a cohesive artistic and natural ensemble. Baron von Eschwege, a German mineralogist with a passion for architecture, played a role in its initial design, drawing inspiration from the romantic gardens flourishing in Germany. The intention was to create a setting that would enchant and impress visitors, a landscape proposal that remains relevant and captivating to this day.

A Garden of Biodiversity

Pena Park is a veritable green labyrinth, distinguished by its remarkable botanical diversity. In addition to species native to the region, the park houses thousands of exotic plants, brought from various parts of the world to enrich its collection. There are areas dedicated to the cultivation of rare species, such as camellias, rhododendrons, and azaleas, some of which can be observed in greenhouses and nurseries. Along its paths, visitors discover an intricate water system, with waterfalls, pools, lakes, and fountains, which contribute to the fresh and luxuriant environment, punctuated by lush fern gardens and serene streams.

Paths and Discoveries

Exploring Pena Park is embarking on a succession of discoveries through its multiple winding paths and trails. Along these routes, various points of interest and decorative structures emerge. One example is the Chalet da Condessa d'Edla, a charming Alpine-style construction, built between 1864 and 1869 by Ferdinand II for his second wife, the Countess d'Edla. Its exterior stands out for its unusual cork cladding, which simulates wood, and the surrounding garden, with imposing granite rocks, is enriched with collections of camellias and rhododendrons.

Other notable sites include the Warrior Statue, an imposing 2.75-meter granite figure dating from 1848, which stands on a rock formation where Queen Amelia of Portugal had a favorite resting spot. The Valley of the Lakes, with its five picturesque water mirrors, houses two distinctive duck houses, one resembling a Moorish castle and the other the Pena Palace itself. For breathtaking views of the palace complex, the Cascais coast, and the surrounding area, the Alto do Chá offers a privileged perspective. The Cruz Alta, the highest point of the Sintra Mountains at 529 meters, is marked by a 16th-century cross and provides ample southern views. The Pedras do Chalet surprise with their labyrinth of colossal rocks, some so large that they shape the very course of the trails, creating an almost cavernous experience.

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