Peña Palace is a magnificent hilltop palace in Sintra, Portugal. It is one of the finest examples of Romanticism architecture in Europe and is known for its bright colors and extravagant design. Built in the 19th century, the palace served as the summer residence of the Portuguese royal family and is now one of Portugal’s most popular tourist attractions.
Pena Palace Architecture and Design
The architecture and design of Pena Palace is truly unique and stunning. The palace combines elements of Gothic, Manueline and Moorish styles, resulting in a unique and eclectic design. The palace’s exterior is a dazzling array of bright colors and intricate details, including ornate stonework, gargoyles and towers.
The interior of the palace is equally impressive, with rooms decorated in a variety of styles including Neo-Gothic, Neo-Manuelian and Neo-Renaissance. Some of the most notable rooms include the Throne Room, which features a magnificent throne and beautiful stained glass windows, the Chapel with its elaborate altar and beautiful frescoes, and the Dining Room, which is decorated with beautiful tapestries.
Other notable rooms include the Music Room, which has beautiful frescoes and intricate detailing, the Arabian Room, decorated in a Moorish style with beautiful tiles and intricate carvings, and the Smoking Room, decorated with beautiful frescoes and intricate plasterwork. Everything you need to know about Peña Palace
Gardens of Pena Palace
Apart from the stunning architecture and design, Pena Palace is also surrounded by beautiful gardens and parks. Pena Park is a vast wooded area that surrounds the palace and offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. The Queen’s Fern Garden is another highlight with beautiful ferns and other exotic plants.
The Valley of Lakes is also worth exploring, with beautiful lakes, waterfalls and other natural features. Visitors can also explore the many walking trails that wind through the park, offering beautiful views of the palace.
How to get to Pena Palace?
There are several ways to get to Pena Palace, depending on your location and preferences. Here are some of the most popular options to get to Penna Palace:
By car
If you have access to a car, driving to Pena Palace is a great option. The palace is located in Sintra, which is about a 30-minute drive from Lisbon. There are several parking lots near the palace, but they can fill up quickly during peak tourist season, so it’s a good idea to arrive early.
By train
Another popular option is to take the train from Lisbon to Sintra. The train departs from Rossio station in Lisbon and takes about 40 minutes to reach Sintra. From there you can take a taxi or bus to Pena Palace. The bus ride takes about 15 minutes and drops you off at the palace entrance.
By bus
There are also several bus options. With Scotturb you get off at the Pena Palace stop on the Lisbon-Sintra route. Depending on traffic, the journey from Lisbon takes between 45 minutes and an hour.
It’s worth noting that the roads to Pena Palace can be narrow and winding, so if you’re not comfortable driving in these conditions, it’s best to take the train or bus. Also, the roads leading to the palace can be congested during peak tourist season, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead and allow extra time for your journey.