This national palace (one of two) in the town of Sintra is one of Portugal’s top attractions (it was voted one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal). The town’s proximity to Lisbon makes the palace quick and easy to reach, so even if you’re in Portugal for just a few days you can pop over and see this colorful, unique park and palace, inside and out.
Before we explain how to get there, tickets and what to see, let’s tell you about the palace’s history, because its history makes the palace no less than its looks and splendor.
Pena Palace: 800 Years of History
The first building on the site where the palace stands today went up in the 12th century. It was a chapel dedicated to prayer in honor of “Our Lady of Pena”. Our Lady of Pena is regarded as a protector of health, and there’s an interesting story behind her. She’s actually an image of a woman found in a village near the mountain of Peña de Francia in Spain, and a miracle is attributed to her.
The son of a Spanish official named Miguel fell seriously ill. He found the image of the woman and, for some unclear reason, placed it on every part of his body that hurt, and he said he felt immediate relief. He told his family, and they all began praying to the Lady of Peña de Francia, and so (in Christian belief) she became the lady who watches over health.
In the early 16th century, King Manuel I ordered the chapel turned into a monastery for monks, and the place became a modest but significant place of prayer. In the 18th century the monastery was struck by lightning, and a few years later it was almost completely destroyed by the devastating earthquake that hit Portugal in 1755. About 80 years later (1838), King Ferdinand II decided to buy the whole area and build a summer palace there for the royal family.
The construction was entrusted to a German architect, Wilhelm Ludwig von Eschwege. It took about 12 years, and King Ferdinand (an educated, cultured man who had acquired his culture all over Europe) was involved in many decisions about the palace’s decorations and symbols. After Ferdinand’s death, the palace passed to his second wife, a countess (who has a chalet in Pena Park). A few years later she sold the palace back to the royal family.
In the early 20th century the palace and park were bought by the state, and the palace was classified as a national monument and museum. Symbolically, Queen Amélia, Portugal’s last queen, spent her last night in the palace before going into exile when the monarchy was abolished.
The Architecture, in Brief
The palace mixes various kinds of architecture inspired by styles from the Middle Ages, including the Muslim Moorish empire and various European countries. The result is a palace with many stylistic influences, which have made it the major attraction it is today.
How Do You Tour Pena Palace and Park?
The site has two parts, a large park and the palace, and you can visit both or just one. Though it’s hard to imagine anyone coming all the way here and visiting only the park and not the palace.
The Park
About 85 hectares (over 200 acres) of vegetation, paths, remnants of the past and spectacular views. You can stroll through the park and enjoy impressive trees, varied plants, fountains, the Monk’s Cave (a remnant of the monastery days), the Temple of the Columns, lakes and more. The park is also home to the chalet of Ferdinand’s second wife (whom he married after his first wife died).
Tip! Go up to the High Cross. It’s the highest point, and the view is spectacular.
The Palace
It stands out for its colors, but it’s worth knowing that it was repainted at the end of the 20th century because the colors had almost completely faded. The visit covers the palace courtyard, the walls and the inside of the palace itself, including most of the rooms (bedrooms, meeting rooms, dining rooms, kitchens and others), where you can see portraits, paintings, furniture, tableware and other historical items showing the royals’ life in the palace.
When to Visit Pena Palace and Park
You can visit year-round, though from spring to autumn the crowds are especially big. The views from the palace and park are beautiful, but on cloudy days and in winter it’s hard to see much. Sundays are the busiest days, so it’s best to avoid visiting then.
The park and palace are open every day, roughly from 10:00 in the morning to 6:00 in the evening (check the seasonal hours before you go).
Where Do You Buy Tickets?
You can buy tickets on site from the ticket machines at the park entrance.
However, it’s better to buy online in advance to guarantee your spot. You can buy a park-only ticket or a combined park and palace ticket (prices change, so check the current price when booking).
Recommended, reliable sites for buying tickets are: Tiqets and Get Your Guide.
If you’re in Lisbon, you can take a guided day trip with transport that includes the park and the palace – click here for prices and times. The tour also visits other places, like Sintra-Cascais Natural Park and the picturesque fishing village of Cascais.
How Do You Get to the Park and Palace?
You can visit Sintra on a day trip from Lisbon or stay a night or more in town. If you want to read about getting to Sintra and the other attractions it offers, you can do so here.
If you’re coming by car, you can try one of the parking lots near the palace, but the chances of finding a spot aren’t high (you can wait for someone to leave). Alternatively, park lower down (the palace is on a hill) and take a shuttle or public transport.
At the entrance to the palace grounds you can buy a ticket for the shuttle bus that takes you up to the palace. You can walk up, but it’s not an easy climb.
You’ve made it to Portugal and you’re already in Lisbon, so hop over to Sintra and visit the palace.
Have you visited Pena Palace and Park? Share your thoughts in the comments.