National Palace of Pena: A Majestic Symbol of Romanticism

The National Palace of Pena in Sintra, Portugal, is a beautiful example of 19th-century Romanticism. It sits on a misty hill, featuring bright colors and a mix of architectural styles. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-see for travelers seeking to discover Portugal's royal heritage and marvel at its stunning architecture. It has stunning views of the surrounding landscape and is a great place to learn about the country's history.

Detailed History of the National Palace of Pena

The National Palace of Pena's story begins in the 12th century with the construction of a chapel in honor of Our Lady of Pena. Local stories say that the chapel was built after the Virgin Mary appeared to a shepherd. Over time, this small chapel expanded, and in the 16th century, King Manuel I requested that the Hieronymite Order construct the Royal Monastery of Our Lady of Pena. The monastery was home to up to 18 monks until a disaster struck in 1755. Following the Lisbon earthquake and a subsequent lightning strike, the monastery was reduced to ruins.

King Ferdinand II, an artist and polyglot from Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, purchased the ruins and the surrounding 85 hectares of land in 1838 to use as a summer retreat. Ferdinand worked with Baron Wilhelm Ludwig von Eschwege to turn the monastery into the National Palace of Pena. By 1854, the project was complete, and the palace had become a Romantic masterpiece, blending medieval features such as parapet paths, lookout towers, and a drawbridge with Moorish and Manueline styles to create a fairy-tale-like atmosphere.

Ferdinand married opera singer Elise Hensler in 1853, after Queen Maria II died. Later, she became the Countess of Edla. They worked together to build an Alpine-style chalet in the palace grounds. The palace evolved into a summer residence for the royal family over the years. King Carlos I and Queen Amélie of Orléans spent time there. King Manuel II was the last king to live in the palace. He used several rooms for official business until the Republican Revolution in 1910, which led to the end of the monarchy in Portugal. The palace was named a National Monument in the same year, and in 1995, it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. Parques de Sintra currently operates the palace.

Stunning Architecture: A Blend of Styles

The National Palace of Pena is a remarkable example of Romantic architecture, combining various styles, including Neo-Gothic, Neo-Manueline, Neo-Islamic, and Neo-Renaissance. The palace's design is just as strange and daring as its past, with big differences in color and shape. There are four main parts to it:

1. The Enveloping Walls and Gateways: These walls, with their medieval design, give visitors a sense of entering a different time.

2. The Restored Convent and Clock Tower (1843): This area combines the original monastery structure with more recent additions.

3. Arches Yard: Known for its Moorish arches, this space provides a dramatic view of the palace.

4. The Palatial Zone: This section includes the cylindrical bastion and rooms adorned with cathedral-like details, showcasing the palace’s grandeur.

The palace's outside is one of its most unique features. The bold red and yellow color scheme is a reflection of Ferdinand II's artistic vision. The red color represents the original monastery, and the new additions are painted yellow. This makes a striking silhouette that stands out against the Sintra hills. You can see the National Palace of Pena clearly from Lisbon on clear days.

Opulent Interiors: A Royal Experience

Visitors can view rooms adorned with expensive furniture, beautiful art, and historical artifacts within the palace. Each room shows off the tastes and personalities of the Portuguese royal family. Important rooms are:

• The Dining Room and Noble Room: These rooms feature elegant furniture and decorations that offer a glimpse into how the royals lived.

• The Queen’s Office: This room showcases Queen Maria II's distinctive style.

• King Carlos’ Chambers: These rooms are full of things that show the king's interests, like his love of collecting.

The Manueline Cloister is a serene space featuring intricate stone carvings and a connection to the chapel, which boasts silver candelabras and a beautifully detailed reredos. These rooms have a historical feel that allows people to step back in time and picture how the royal family lived at their best.

Expansive Park and Gardens: A Journey Through Nature

The Park of Pena, which surrounds the palace, is one of the most important arboretums in Portugal. It covers 85 hectares. King Ferdinand II carefully planned the park to be a place of discovery, with winding paths, hidden corners, and stunning views. Some of the best things about the park are:

• The High Cross: A hilltop cross that offers panoramic views of Sintra and beyond.

• The Temple of Columns: A beautiful structure that transports visitors to a different era.

• The Grotto of the Monk: A tranquil retreat originally used by monks.

• The Queen’s Fern Valley and the Valley of the Lakes: Two serene areas that offer a peaceful escape.

The park features many exotic trees and plants, some of which were introduced to Portugal from other countries. Asian camellias, introduced to the US in the 1840s, bloom brightly in winter, providing beautiful views all year round.

Along with the main palace, the Countess of Edla's Chalet, which Ferdinand II and Elise Hensler built, is a lovely Alpine-style getaway that has been recently restored and now offers great views of the palace.

Local Sintra Attractions: A Cultural Landscape

Sintra, the town surrounding the National Palace of Pena, is a UNESCO World Heritage site in its own right, boasting numerous historical sites and cultural attractions. Some of the best things to see nearby are:

• Quinta da Regaleira: Quinta da Regaleira is an interesting estate with the Initiation Well, hidden tunnels, and a Gothic mansion that makes you think.

• Moorish Castle: Moorish Castle is a medieval fortress that offers great hiking and views of the countryside around it.

• National Palace of Sintra: A historic palace known for its distinctive azulejo tiles and conical chimneys.

• Monserrate Palace: A stunning example of Indo-Gothic architecture surrounded by lush gardens.

• Cabo da Roca: The westernmost point in Europe, offering dramatic coastal views.

Getting There and Practical Tips

The National Palace of Pena is easily accessible from Lisbon, located just 40 minutes by train from the city center. Here are some travel tips:

• By Train: Take the train from Lisbon’s Rossio Station to Sintra Station (approximately 40 minutes). From Sintra, take the bus 434 to the Pena Palace stop (just 500 meters from the entrance).

• By Car: If driving, take N249, N375, and Estrada da Pena to reach the palace.

• By Tuk-Tuk: A fun alternative to the bus, tuk-tuks cost approximately €10 per person and provide a quick way to get up to the palace.

Ticket prices are as follows:

• Adults: €14

• Children and Seniors: €12.50 . 12:50 It’s recommended to purchase tickets online in advance to avoid long lines.

Opening Hours:

• Summer (April - October): 9:45 AM - 7:00 PM (Palace), 9:30 AM - 8:00 PM (Park)

• Winter (November - March): 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Palace and Park)

N.B.: All prices can be changed

Best Visiting Strategies

To make the most of your visit, consider the following tips:

• Arrive Early: The palace is usually less crowded in the morning, and you'll be able to see the mist that often surrounds it.

• Visit the Palace Interiors First: The palace is renowned for its stunning interiors, so it's best to see them before exploring the gardens.

• Explore the Park: After visiting the palace, take a walk around the park in a clockwise direction, starting with the High Cross for stunning views.

• Seasonal Highlights: The camellias are in bloom in the winter, so don't miss them. The gardens are alive with color and life in the summer.

The National Palace of Pena is not only a beautiful palace, but it is also a symbol of Portugal's royal past and a great example of Romantic architecture. The bright colors, fun design, and deep cultural meaning of this place make it a great way to go back in time and learn about King Ferdinand II's vision of a magical retreat. Pena Palace is a must-see for anyone visiting Portugal, whether they are interested in the architecture, the gardens, or the history.