Palácio da Pena

Atop the misty hills of Sintra, the embodiment of a romantic dream

Sitting atop the misty hills of Sintra, Palácio da Pena is the embodiment of a dream—a German prince’s vision of a fairy-tale retreat brought to life on the very western edge of Europe. Commissioned by King Ferdinand II in the 19th century, this Romantic masterpiece rises from the ruins of a former monastery, reimagined as a fantastical blend of Gothic spires, Manueline flourishes, Moorish domes and Renaissance grandeur.

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Take your time to wander through the palace’s gardens and 85 hectares (210 acres) of an exotic forest park, where winding paths lead to hidden grottos or belvederes on top of high cliffs, where towering sequoias shade serene ponds framed by blooming camellias. And no matter what the weather, be it drenched in golden sunlight or wrapped in an ethereal mist, every corner reveals a storybook scene, inviting you to pause, breathe and and lose yourself in the enchantment.

Notes
To make the most of your visit and uncover the palace’s many hidden gems, consider booking a guided tour—an insider’s perspective that brings history, architecture and legends to life.

More than just a royal retreat, it was King Ferdinand II’s passion project, a celebration of art, nature and the exotic influences that fascinated 19th-century Europe. Every arch, tile and turret reflects a sense of whimsy and adventure, drawing from distant cultures and architectural traditions to create a palace unlike any other.

Surrounded by the lush, otherworldly landscape of Sintra’s magestic hills, Palácio da Pena feels as if it has stepped out of a painting—its red and yellow façades glowing against the ever-changing Atlantic mist. Wander through its opulent chambers, where gilded ceilings and intricate stuccoes frame sweeping views of the Atlantic, or step onto its terraces to take in the vast forests of the Parque da Pena, a romantic landscape garden dotted with exotic flora from around the world. Beyond its fairy-tale exterior, Palácio da Pena is a monument to imagination, a place where history and fantasy intertwine, where East meets West in architectural harmony on the westernmost edge of the continent.

Address
Estrada da Pena 9
2710-609 Sintra

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Website
Pena Palace Sintra