Standing on one of Sintra’s highest hills, Palácio da Pena is one of Portugal’s most famous landmarks.
The palace was built in the 19th century by King Ferdinand II on the ruins of a former monastery, which had been severely damaged by the 1755 earthquake.
Completed in 1854, it became the summer residence of the Portuguese royal family. Its colourful appearance and mix of Gothic, Manueline, Moorish and Renaissance influences make it one of the best examples of Romantic architecture in Europe.
In 1995, UNESCO included Palácio da Pena as part of the Cultural Landscape of Sintra, now one of Portugal's most visited UNESCO World Heritage sites.
What to see:
The Palace
The colourful towers, terraces and courtyards are what make Pena Palace so recognisable.
The Triton Gate
One of the palace's most famous features, decorated with a mythical creature that symbolically connects the land and the sea.
Pena Park
Surrounding the palace are more than 200 hectares of gardens, lakes, viewpoints and walking paths created by King Ferdinand II.
The Views
On a clear day, you can see much of Sintra, the Atlantic coast and even Lisbon in the distance.
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