Hidden among the trees of Pena Park in Sintra, the Chalet da Condessa d’Edla was built between 1864 and 1869 by King Ferdinand II and Elise Hensler, a Swiss opera singer.
The couple met in 1860 at the São Carlos Theatre in Lisbon and fell in love. They married in 1869, although their relationship was controversial and never fully accepted by Portuguese society.
Elise designed the chalet herself, taking inspiration from traditional mountain houses in the Alps.
One of its most unusual features is the decoration. The exterior walls were painted to look like wood, while the windows, balconies and roof edges were decorated with cork.
The surrounding gardens are also worth exploring, with camellias, azaleas, ferns and winding paths.
In 1999, a fire almost completely destroyed the chalet. After extensive restoration, it reopened to visitors in 2011.
📍 Location: Pena Park, Sintra.
Admission to the chalet is included in the Pena Park and Palace ticket.
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