National Palace of Pena and Park: Tickets

National Palace of Pena and Park - Tickets and Visitor Information

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What is The National Palace of Pena and Park in Sintra?

• The National Palace of Pena (Palácio Nacional da Pena) is one of Portugal's most famous landmarks and the most visited attraction in Sintra.
• Sitting high in the Sintra Mountains, the colourful 19th-century palace is known for its bright red and yellow walls, Romantic architecture and panoramic views across the surrounding countryside and Atlantic coastline.
• Originally constructed on the site of a former monastery, the palace became the summer residence of the Portuguese royal family under King Ferdinand II and is now one of the highlights of the UNESCO-listed Cultural Landscape of Sintra.
• Visitors can explore the palace interiors, terraces and the extensive 85-hectare Pena Park.

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Quick Information

• Address: Palacio Nacional de Pena, 2710-477, Sintra
• Opening Hours: Daily: 09:30 - 18:30
• Suggested Visit Duration: 3–5 hours (allow around 90 minutes for the palace and extra time to explore Pena Park).
• Ticket Options

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Is The National Palace of Pena and Park in Sintra Worth Visiting?

• Yes. The National Palace of Pena is one of Portugal's most impressive castles and a popular attraction in Sintra.
• Visitors come to admire its colourful architecture, beautifully restored royal rooms, terraces and the extensive Pena Park, which features lakes, exotic trees, walking trails and viewpoints.
• If you're taking a day trip from Lisbon, Pena Palace is usually the number one attraction to include in your itinerary.

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What You Can See At National Palace of Pena and Park

• The Royal Apartments – See the beautifully preserved rooms used by King Ferdinand II and Queen Amélia.
• The Noble Hall – One of the palace's grandest rooms, with stained-glass windows and period furnishings.
• The Arab Room – Decorated with intricate Moorish-inspired details.
• The Chapel – The original monastery chapel, which survived the earthquake in 1755 and became part of the palace.
• The Palace Terraces – Some of the best panoramic viewpoints in Sintra.
• Pena Park – Wander through forests, lakes, gardens and hidden viewpoints.

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About National Palace of Pena and Park

The National Palace of Pena (Palácio Nacional da Pena) is one of Portugal's finest examples of Romantic architecture and forms part of the UNESCO-listed Cultural Landscape of Sintra.

The castle stands proudly on top of a hill in the mountains overlooking the town of Sintra and offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and coastline.

The site dates back to the Middle Ages (12th century) when a chapel dedicated to 'Our Lady of Pena' was built there, with a monastery called the 'Royal Monastery of Our Lady of Pena', followed in the 16th century under the instruction of King Manuel I.‍

Highlights at The National Palace of Pena:

• The King Ferdinand II and Queen Amelia apartments - Including the bedrooms, bathrooms and study with original baroque furniture and luxurious wallpapers.
• The Music Room - Where they would sit and entertain and play music.
• The Dining Room - A 16-th century converted refectory, which the royals used as a dining room.
• Noble Hall - The large space with beautiful stained glass windows that was used as a games room for billiards.
• Kitchens - See where the food was all prepared in the palace kitchens.
• Terraces - Enjoy amazing views of the surrounding area from several terraces.

A major earthquake in 1755 left the monastery in ruins and it was abandoned until the 19th century when King Ferdinand II of Portugal (known as King-Artist due to his artistic and cultural pursuits) acquired the ruins and the surrounding land in 1838.

The king then commissioned a German architect called Baron Wilhelm Ludwig von Eschwege to design a palace that would be used as a summer residence for the Portuguese royal family.

The result was a blend of architectural styles including Moorish, Gothic, Renaissance, and Manueline influences, which reflected the eclectic tastes of the Romantic era.

One of the palace's recognisable features is its bright colour exterior. The walls are painted in shades of red, yellow, and ochre, giving the building a fairy-tale-like appearance.

Then intricate decorative elements including turrets, battlements, and domes further enhance its romantic charm. The interior of the castle has ornate furnishings, intricate tilework, and elaborate stucco decorations, which show the opulence of 19th-century royal living.

When Ferdinand II's wife, Queen Maria II died in 1853, he married an opera singer called Elise Hensler, and they went on to build the 'Chalet of the Countess of Edla', which you can also visit in the Park.

Pena Park

The palace is surrounded by ‘Pena Park’ which was created by King Ferdinand II. He introduced tree species from across the globe, which has made it into one of the most diverse gardens in Portugal.

The park covers around 85 hectares and has beautiful gardens, winding pathways, and exotic plant species from around the world. You can stroll through the forested areas, find hidden grottos and waterfalls, and enjoy panoramic views which are scattered throughout the grounds.

Many visitors spend as much time exploring the park as they do the palace itself.

If you enjoy historical buildings, Sintra offers several great ones, including:

• Quinta da Regaleira
• Castle of the Moors
• Monserrate Palace
• National Palace of Sintra

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