VISIT PENA PALACE – BEST VISITING TIPS 2026

Pena Palace was built on the site of the Monastery of Saint Jerome, which was damaged by an earthquake in 1755. The monastery was active even after the earthquake and was abandoned in 1834. Two years later, Queen Maria II married Ferdinand II, who would go on to become known as the King-Artist. He was fascinated by the monastery, as romantic ideas of ruins and hills were popular at the time. He intended to make it a royal summer residence but ended up turning it into a palace featuring unique architecture inspired by romantic and medieval ideas. It was built as a fantasy castle and took inspiration from medieval castles, so it features a drawbridge and a parapet, which allowed people to observe the surroundings. The palace also incorporates Moorish influences. The chapel was adapted from the Monastery Church of Our Lady of Pena. It has an impressive stained glass window. See the High Cross, which stands on the highest point in the Sintra Hills and depicts interweaving trunks. The Grotto of the Monk was where monks of the monastery would go for contemplation.

SEE WHERE ROYALS LIVED

See the dining room with plates, crystal glasses, and fruit from the period. See the Office of King Carlos and the Bedroom of Ferdinand II, inspired by Portugal’s Islamic heritage. You can also see where the royals planned their outfits–see Queen Amelia’s dressing room, which has a dresser, a wardrobe, and a mirror with drawers. The royals liked to spend time in the Great Hall, and you can also see the kitchen with original stoves and cookware. There is also an Alpine-style building on the premises called the Chalet of the Countess of Edla. Triton’s Terrace features a sculpture of the mythological monster.

PENA PARK

Pena Park incorporates beautiful gardens where royals liked to go for a walk. You can see the Valley of the Lakes, with five lakes connected by waterfalls. There is also the Little Birds Fountain, a Neo-Mudéjar pavilion where the acoustics of the place make the water in a fountain louder. You can also see the waterwheel, which helped bring the water from the park to the palace, the Temple of Columns, and the Warrior Statue.

DO plan in advance

Pena Palace is located on top of a mountain. Give yourself enough time to reach it, in case there are any unforeseen circumstances with traffic.

DON’T worry about packing lunch

There is a restaurant and a cafeteria in Pena Palace, so you can stop for a break and enjoy a delicious lunch. The restaurant has great views of the palace and the park through a window, and you can sit on the terrace in the cafeteria and enjoy the view with a drink.

DO wear comfortable shoes

There is a steep walk up to the palace from the entrance, but it’s not long, and it is paved.

DON’T miss the park

The park features beautiful gardens, lakes, and waterfalls. It was designed by the King-Artist, Ferdinand II, just like the palace, and it’s a must for anyone visiting Pena Palace, as you can go for a relaxing walk in nature and see more of the king’s work.