Pena Palace

Pena Palace is a 19th-century Romanticist palace perched on Pena Hill above the town of Sintra, constructed and remodelled by King Ferdinand II and serving as a vivid example of Romantic architecture. The palace is a key component of the Sintra Cultural Landscape UNESCO property and is notable for its polychrome facades and picturesque silhouette.

Visitors explore the palace interiors, the ornate terraces and the expansive surrounding park planted with exotic trees and designed follies; the hilltop location provides panoramic views across the Sintra hills toward the Atlantic. The contrasting colors, eclectic ornamentation and mix of Gothic, Manueline and Moorish motifs are prominent draws.

The present palace dates mainly to mid-19th-century rebuilding and additions by King Ferdinand II; it replaced earlier monastic structures and was conceived as a summer residence reflecting contemporary Romantic tastes.

Pena Palace stands on the Serra de Sintra ridge above the town of Sintra, west of Lisbon, and is accessed by road and local buses that shuttle up the hill from the town centre.

• 19th-century Romantic rebuilding: The palace was rebuilt and expanded in the mid-19th century by King Ferdinand II in an eclectic Romantic style and is part of the Sintra Cultural Landscape UNESCO site.
• Hilltop weather: The site is on a steep hill; weather at the summit is often cooler and foggier than in nearby coastal towns, so bring layers when visiting the terraces and park.

What to See #

• Terraces and viewpoints: The palace's ornate terraces and observation points on Pena Hill that provide sweeping views across Sintra and the Atlantic on clear days.
• Pena Park and gardens: Extensive 19th-century landscaped park with exotic trees, winding paths and follies that covers several hectares below the palace.
• Palace interiors and chapel: Restored interior rooms showing 19th-century decoration, royal apartments and the chapel used by the palace's royal household.