Pena Palace was built on the ruins of a medieval monastery of the Hieronymites, which was heavily damaged by the 1755 Lisbon earthquake. In 1838, King Ferdinand II acquired the ruins and began construction of the palace in 1842. The construction was completed in 1854. The architect Wilhelm Ludwig von Eschwege, a German engineer, played a central role in the design of the palace.

The palace is a notable example of 19th-century Romanticism, combining various architectural styles such as Gothic, Manueline, Renaissance, and Moorish elements. It is surrounded by a vast park, also designed by King Ferdinand II, featuring numerous exotic plants and trees from around the world.

Best time to visit?

Early in the morning on a weekday and maybe not in the time of the summer vacation. To buy a ticket you have a buy online the ticket. Opening time from 9.30 am to 8.30 pm. 

Important to know:

You can only visit the Palace at the time you have booked and first you have to walk through the park. Depending on where you arrive, you need to allow about 30 minutes to get to the Palace on time. No exceptions are made for delays.

How go get to the Pena Palace?

If you are coming from Lisbon, you can take the train to Sintra directly and travel to the last stop. The train leaves e.g. from the metro station “Oriente” or “Rossio” and the journey takes about 40-50 min. depending on where you start and if there is a delay. When you arrive at Sintra station, keep to the right until you see some buses. You can take bus 434 which will take you right in front of the entrance. Then you have to show your purchased ticket and walk through the park up to the Palace. There is also the possibility to drive up, but there was already a long queue in the morning and you can easily walk up yourself.

 

 

Best,

Saskia ❤