{"id":20396,"date":"2024-12-05T06:56:25","date_gmt":"2024-12-05T11:56:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/?p=20396"},"modified":"2026-03-21T16:23:10","modified_gmt":"2026-03-21T15:23:10","slug":"secrets-of-the-pena-palace","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/secrets-of-the-pena-palace","title":{"rendered":"Secrets of the Pena Palace: What You Should Know Before Visiting"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Sintra is filled with <strong>historical landmarks<\/strong> and <strong>intriguing attractions,<\/strong> but its most iconic structure has to be the <strong>Pena Palace.<\/strong> With its <strong>brightly colored exterior<\/strong> and <strong>intricate details, <\/strong>this building seems straight out of a fairytale\u2014and the vast gardens surrounding it only add to the allure.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sintra is one of Portugal\u2019s most enchanting destinations, filled with iconic landmarks, lush gardens, and a rich royal history. Here&#8217;s all the top secrets of the Pena Palace you need to know before visiting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Walks_Lisbon_Sintra-Tour_Lourenco_0075-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"People admiring the exterior of Pena Palace. \" class=\"wp-image-20405\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Walks_Lisbon_Sintra-Tour_Lourenco_0075-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Walks_Lisbon_Sintra-Tour_Lourenco_0075-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Walks_Lisbon_Sintra-Tour_Lourenco_0075-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Walks_Lisbon_Sintra-Tour_Lourenco_0075.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">These are the secrets of the Pena Palace you need to know before your visit. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_63 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #443d47;color:#443d47\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #443d47;color:#443d47\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/secrets-of-the-pena-palace\/#What_You_Can_See_and_Do_at_Pena_Palace\" title=\"What You Can See and Do at Pena Palace \">What You Can See and Do at Pena Palace <\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/secrets-of-the-pena-palace\/#A_brief_history_of_the_Pena_Palace\" title=\"A brief history of the Pena Palace\">A brief history of the Pena Palace<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/secrets-of-the-pena-palace\/#A_hilltop_sanctuary\" title=\"A hilltop sanctuary\">A hilltop sanctuary<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/secrets-of-the-pena-palace\/#A_royal_residence\" title=\"A royal residence\">A royal residence<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/secrets-of-the-pena-palace\/#A_national_monument\" title=\"A national monument\">A national monument<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/secrets-of-the-pena-palace\/#Architectural_features_and_interesting_details\" title=\"Architectural features and interesting details\">Architectural features and interesting details<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/secrets-of-the-pena-palace\/#Beautiful_inside_and_out\" title=\"Beautiful inside and out\">Beautiful inside and out<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/secrets-of-the-pena-palace\/#Practical_tips_for_visiting_the_Pena_Palace\" title=\"Practical tips for visiting the Pena Palace\">Practical tips for visiting the Pena Palace<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/secrets-of-the-pena-palace\/#FAQs_About_Sintra_and_the_VIP_Sintra_Tour_from_Lisbon\" title=\"FAQs About Sintra and the VIP Sintra Tour from Lisbon\">FAQs About Sintra and the VIP Sintra Tour from Lisbon<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/secrets-of-the-pena-palace\/#What_makes_the_Pena_Palace_so_special\" title=\"What makes the Pena Palace so special?\">What makes the Pena Palace so special?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/secrets-of-the-pena-palace\/#What_is_the_history_of_the_Pena_Palace\" title=\"What is the history of the Pena Palace?\">What is the history of the Pena Palace?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_You_Can_See_and_Do_at_Pena_Palace\"><\/span><strong>What You Can See and Do at Pena Palace <\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s a detailed look at what you can expect:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Pena Palace<\/strong>: Explore the fairy-tale castle perched on top of the Sintra mountains. With its vibrant colors and eclectic architectural style, the palace is a must-see. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pal\u00e1cio Nacional de Sintra<\/strong>: This historic palace, located in the heart of Sintra, is known for its beautiful mix of <strong>Moorish and Manueline<\/strong> architectural styles. Inside, you\u2019ll find magnificent rooms and stunning tiles that tell the story of Portugal&#8217;s royal past.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Walks_Barcelona_Casa-Batllo_May24_0089-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"A woman carrying a green bag smiles and talks to a group near an ornate wooden door and blue-and-white tiled wall, possibly in Lisbon.\" class=\"wp-image-22119\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Walks_Barcelona_Casa-Batllo_May24_0089-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Walks_Barcelona_Casa-Batllo_May24_0089-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Walks_Barcelona_Casa-Batllo_May24_0089-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Walks_Barcelona_Casa-Batllo_May24_0089-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Walks_Barcelona_Casa-Batllo_May24_0089.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Take a close look at Pena Palace to discover it&#8217;s secrets. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Quinta da Regaleira<\/strong>: Roam through this mysterious estate, renowned for its enchanting gardens, hidden grottoes, and the famous <strong>Initiation Well<\/strong>. The property\u2019s unique and symbolic features make it one of Sintra\u2019s most fascinating landmarks.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Seteais Palace Gardens<\/strong>: Stroll through the picturesque gardens of Seteais Palace, which offer fantastic views over Sintra\u2019s valleys and mountains.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sintra Town<\/strong>: Wander through the charming streets of Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage town. Explore local shops, restaurants, and cafes in this picturesque town.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Walks_Lisbon_Sintra-Tour_Lourenco_0055-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"A tour guide explains the history of Pena Palaces lavish, chandelier-lit hall while a woman with a green tote bag listens intently.\" class=\"wp-image-20398\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Walks_Lisbon_Sintra-Tour_Lourenco_0055-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Walks_Lisbon_Sintra-Tour_Lourenco_0055-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Walks_Lisbon_Sintra-Tour_Lourenco_0055-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Walks_Lisbon_Sintra-Tour_Lourenco_0055.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Get a glimpse into what it was like to live as a royal. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_brief_history_of_the_Pena_Palace\"><\/span>A brief history of the Pena Palace<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The history of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.parquesdesintra.pt\/en\/parks-monuments\/park-and-national-palace-of-pena\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pena Palace<\/a> covers nearly a millennium, and like many noteworthy places in Portugal, it\u2019s <strong>linked to both religion and royals.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s a brief introduction to each era in this beautiful building\u2019s past, from its <strong>Medieval origins<\/strong> to <strong>modern restoration projects.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"684\" src=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Walks_Lisbon_Sintra-Tour_Lourenco_0016-C-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"View of a hilltop Palace in Sintra. \" class=\"wp-image-20402\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Walks_Lisbon_Sintra-Tour_Lourenco_0016-C-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Walks_Lisbon_Sintra-Tour_Lourenco_0016-C-600x401.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Walks_Lisbon_Sintra-Tour_Lourenco_0016-C-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Walks_Lisbon_Sintra-Tour_Lourenco_0016-C.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Pena Palace is the perfect example of Portuguese Romanticism. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_hilltop_sanctuary\"><\/span>A hilltop sanctuary<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The very first structure on the site that the Pena Palace now occupies was a <strong>12th-century chapel <\/strong>built in honor of Nossa Senhora da Pena (Our Lady of Pena). In the early 16th century, King Manuel I decided to <strong>build a monastery <\/strong>in the same place, incorporating the original chapel.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Real Mosteiro de Nossa Senhora da Pena (Royal Monastery of Our Lady of Pena) remained in use for <strong>more than three centuries,<\/strong> even after much of it was <strong>destroyed by the 1755 earthquake. <\/strong>It wasn\u2019t until 1834, when religious orders were abolished following Portugal\u2019s Liberal Revolution, that the <strong>monastery shut down.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Walks_Lisbon_Sintra-Tour_Lourenco_0041-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"A group of people standing outside of Pena Palace. \" class=\"wp-image-20399\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Walks_Lisbon_Sintra-Tour_Lourenco_0041-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Walks_Lisbon_Sintra-Tour_Lourenco_0041-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Walks_Lisbon_Sintra-Tour_Lourenco_0041-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Walks_Lisbon_Sintra-Tour_Lourenco_0041.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Take a close look at Pena Palace to discover it&#8217;s secrets. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_royal_residence\"><\/span>A royal residence<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In the late 1830s, Queen Maria II married Fernando II, who became the <strong>king of Portugal<\/strong> upon the birth of their first son. A renowned patron of the arts, the new king decided to buy the abandoned monastery and <strong>make it into a summer home.<\/strong> He set to work <strong>restoring and expanding<\/strong> it with the help of German engineer Baron Wilhelm Ludwig von Eschwege.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After the <strong>queen died in 1853,<\/strong> Fernando continued to work on the palace. He remarried in 1869, and his second wife, Elise Hensler, assumed the title of Countess of Edla. Today her legacy is evident in the <strong>alpine-style<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.parquesdesintra.pt\/pt\/parques-monumentos\/chalet-e-jardim-da-condessa-d-edla\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Chalet da Condessa d\u2019Edla<\/a> located within the palace grounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Walks_Lisbon_Sintra-Tour_Lourenco_0078-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"A group of people walking around the palace grounds. \" class=\"wp-image-20406\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Walks_Lisbon_Sintra-Tour_Lourenco_0078-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Walks_Lisbon_Sintra-Tour_Lourenco_0078-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Walks_Lisbon_Sintra-Tour_Lourenco_0078-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Walks_Lisbon_Sintra-Tour_Lourenco_0078.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Take a look around the Palace grounds to get the full grandeur of this landmark. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_national_monument\"><\/span>A national monument<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>After Fernando II died in 1885, the <strong>property was left to his wife<\/strong> and then sold to the state, but the royal family kept using it as a <strong>summer home.<\/strong> This continued until 1910, when the Portuguese Republic was established and the<strong> royal family went into exile.<\/strong> The Pena Palace became a <strong>national monument and museum<\/strong> shortly thereafter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Restoration work <\/strong>was carried out on the palace and gardens<strong> throughout the following century. <\/strong>One of the most notable projects occurred in the 1990s, when the building was repainted to <strong>restore the faded red and yellow walls<\/strong> to their former glory. Today the property is managed by Parques de Sintra, a publicly funded company that <strong>maintains the city\u2019s cultural landmarks.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Walks_Lisbon_Sintra-Tour_Lourenco_0052-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"A group of people standing inside Pena Palace looking at the different rooms.\" class=\"wp-image-20401\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Walks_Lisbon_Sintra-Tour_Lourenco_0052-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Walks_Lisbon_Sintra-Tour_Lourenco_0052-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Walks_Lisbon_Sintra-Tour_Lourenco_0052-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Walks_Lisbon_Sintra-Tour_Lourenco_0052.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Get a glimpse into what it was like to live as a royal. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Architectural_features_and_interesting_details\"><\/span>Architectural features and interesting details<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Part of what makes the Pena Palace so interesting is its eclectic <strong>mix of architectural styles<\/strong> and<strong> influences.<\/strong> It\u2019s considered one of the foremost examples of <strong>Portuguese Romanticism, <\/strong>incorporating<strong> Neo-Gothic, Neo-Manueline, and Neo-Moorish <\/strong>elements along with other styles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The building\u2019s <strong>Catholic origins<\/strong> are reflected in the original chapel and Manueline cloister, while <strong>Islamic influence<\/strong> is visible in the Mud\u00e9jar tilework and geometric designs. There are also <strong>references to Greek mythology,<\/strong> such as the statue of Triton that presides over the entrance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The palace also calls to mind some other significant structures. The red tower bears a striking resemblance to the <strong>Torre de Bel\u00e9m,<\/strong> and Baron von Eschwege was supposedly<strong> inspired by<\/strong> the famous <strong>Neuschwanstein Castle<\/strong> (which was the basis for Disney\u2019s Sleeping Beauty Castle).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Walks_Lisbon_Sintra-Tour_Lourenco_0016-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"People walking up a hill to Pena Palace. \" class=\"wp-image-20403\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Walks_Lisbon_Sintra-Tour_Lourenco_0016-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Walks_Lisbon_Sintra-Tour_Lourenco_0016-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Walks_Lisbon_Sintra-Tour_Lourenco_0016-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Walks_Lisbon_Sintra-Tour_Lourenco_0016.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Can you see the resemblance between Torre de Bel\u00e9m and Pena Palace?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Beautiful_inside_and_out\"><\/span>Beautiful inside and out<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>interior of the palace<\/strong> has been restored to <strong>what it looked like <\/strong>when the <strong>royal family lived there,<\/strong> and you can tour the rooms for a glimpse into this era. But the <strong>outside of the palace <\/strong>is arguably even <strong>more interesting. <\/strong>Its exterior terraces and scenic walkways offer both an up-close look at the palace itself and <strong>panoramic views of its surroundings.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The palace grounds include<strong> over 200 acres of gardens, lakes, pathways, and plants<\/strong> imported from all over the world. There\u2019s the<strong> Queen\u2019s Fern Valley,<\/strong> featuring ferns from Australasia; the <strong>Camellia Garden,<\/strong> where dozens of species of <strong>East Asian camellias thrive;<\/strong> the Grotto of the Monk, with its tiled stone \u201cthrone\u201d; and many other statues, structures, and natural wonders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The grounds also include the <strong>three highest points of Sintra\u2019s hills.<\/strong> The palace itself is located at the<strong> second-highest point.<\/strong> The <strong>third-highest is Alto do Ch\u00e1,<\/strong> which boasts phenomenal views of the palace from afar. And the highest is Cruz Alta, named for the carved stone cross that marks it, where you&#8217;ll find<strong> incredible 360\u00ba views of the region.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Walks_Lisbon_Sintra-Tour_Lourenco_0044-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"People standing at a panoramic view in Sintra. \" class=\"wp-image-20400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Walks_Lisbon_Sintra-Tour_Lourenco_0044-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Walks_Lisbon_Sintra-Tour_Lourenco_0044-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Walks_Lisbon_Sintra-Tour_Lourenco_0044-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Walks_Lisbon_Sintra-Tour_Lourenco_0044.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">One of the secrets of the Pena Palace is its panoramic views. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Practical_tips_for_visiting_the_Pena_Palace\"><\/span>Practical tips for visiting the Pena Palace<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Pena Palace is relatively <strong>easy to reach from <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/day-trips-from-lisbon\"><strong>Lisbon on a day trip<\/strong><\/a><strong>, <\/strong>whether you\u2019re traveling by car or public transportation. You can take the <strong>train from Rossio Station<\/strong> to Sintra, and then either walk or take the local bus from the train station to the palace. The walk is doable but fairly challenging, as you have to <strong>hike up a steep incline<\/strong> from the historic center to the palace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>There are two types of tickets:<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Entrance to the park and palace, or to the park only. <\/strong>The latter is cheaper and includes access to the <strong>terraces and walkways<\/strong> around the building, but if you want to go inside, you\u2019ll need the <strong>full ticket.<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>We recommend <strong>buying tickets online <\/strong>to avoid long lines, and if you buy them at least<strong> three days in advance <\/strong>you\u2019ll also get a small discount.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you go for the <strong>combined park-and-palace ticket, <\/strong>keep in mind that you\u2019ll need to choose a<strong> 30-minute time slot <\/strong>for the tour of the palace itself. Make sure to arrive well in advance of your reserved time; it takes <strong>about half an hour<\/strong> to get from the main entrance to the palace entrance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In order to fully enjoy the Pena Palace, we suggest <strong>setting aside a full morning or afternoon.<\/strong> <strong>The inside tour is fairly quick, <\/strong>but you\u2019ll want enough time to take in the views from the terraces, explore the grounds, and climb up to at least one of the <strong>park\u2019s stunning panoramic viewpoints.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Walks_Lisbon_Sintra-Tour_Lourenco_0022-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"A man looking at the interior of a palace.\" class=\"wp-image-20404\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Walks_Lisbon_Sintra-Tour_Lourenco_0022-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Walks_Lisbon_Sintra-Tour_Lourenco_0022-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Walks_Lisbon_Sintra-Tour_Lourenco_0022-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Walks_Lisbon_Sintra-Tour_Lourenco_0022.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">You&#8217;ll be amazed by the architecture inside and out at the Pena Palace. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs_About_Sintra_and_the_VIP_Sintra_Tour_from_Lisbon\"><\/span><strong>FAQs About Sintra and the VIP Sintra Tour from Lisbon<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_makes_the_Pena_Palace_so_special\"><\/span><strong>What makes the Pena Palace so special?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>Pena Palace<\/strong> is one of the most iconic landmarks in Portugal, known for its <strong>brightly colored exterior<\/strong>, <strong>eclectic architectural style<\/strong>, and <strong>breathtaking gardens<\/strong>. Built in the 19th century by King Ferdinand II, the palace blends <strong>Neo-Gothic<\/strong>, <strong>Neo-Manueline<\/strong>, and <strong>Neo-Moorish<\/strong> styles, making it a unique example of <strong>Portuguese Romanticism<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_history_of_the_Pena_Palace\"><\/span><strong>What is the history of the Pena Palace?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>Pena Palace<\/strong> has a fascinating history, originally built as a <strong>12th-century chapel<\/strong>, then transformed into a <strong>monastery<\/strong> in the 16th century. After the <strong>Liberal Revolution<\/strong> of 1834, King Ferdinand II purchased the abandoned monastery and transformed it into a summer residence, which he extensively restored. Today, it stands as a national monument and a symbol of <strong>Portuguese Romanticism<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>While day trips from Lisbon offer the chance to explore storybook palaces, dramatic coastlines, and picturesque towns, it\u2019s well worth saving time to experience the capital from a different perspective too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Lisbon\u2019s food scene is one of the best ways to truly understand the city. From family-run taverns to bustling markets and tucked-away local spots, a guided food tour brings its flavors, and the stories behind them, to life. Discover the tastiest way to explore the city with <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/lisbon-tours\/lisbon-food-tours\/\">Take Walks Lisbon Food Tours!<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p> &#8230; <a title=\"Secrets of the Pena Palace: What You Should Know Before Visiting\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/secrets-of-the-pena-palace\" aria-label=\"More on Secrets of the Pena Palace: What You Should Know Before Visiting\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":44,"featured_media":20397,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[815,816,818],"tags":[],"ppma_author":[813],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v22.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Secrets of the Pena Palace: What You Should Know Before Visiting<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Visiting Sintra soon? 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