Experience only the best of Pena Palace
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Visitor's guide
Must-see highlights & key info
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Snag tickets to Pena Palace to explore the rich history and architectural marvels of battlements, watchtowers, and drawbridges.
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Peek into the lavish lives of Spanish royalty at the King’s chambers, then roam the sprawling gardens for panoramic views of Sintra.
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Tune into a multilingual audio guide to uncover how a simple chapel, shaped by earthquakes and a visionary king, became this vibrant palace.
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If you are looking for convenience, upgrade to skip entry lines or access a quick shuttle between the palace and the park.
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Did you know? The Great Hall is a sight to behold—largest room in the palace, Gothic-inspired, with a grand 72-candle chandelier lighting up the space.
More details
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Snag tickets to Pena Palace to explore the rich history and architectural marvels of battlements, watchtowers, and drawbridges.
-
Peek into the lavish lives of Spanish royalty at the King’s chambers, then roam the sprawling gardens for panoramic views of Sintra.
-
Tune into a multilingual audio guide to uncover how a simple chapel, shaped by earthquakes and a visionary king, became this vibrant palace.
-
If you are looking for convenience, upgrade to skip entry lines or access a quick shuttle between the palace and the park.
-
Did you know? The Great Hall is a sight to behold—largest room in the palace, Gothic-inspired, with a grand 72-candle chandelier lighting up the space.
- Experience the wonder of garden mazes, the Abundance Fountain, and the lush Greenhouse, all at your own pace with entry to Quinta da Regaleira.
- Step into the world of royalty with access to Sintra's Pena Palace & Park. Admire the colorful Camellia Garden, the ornate King's bedroom, and more.
- Add more insights and historical context to your tour with the option of audio guides. Tune into Monteiro's quest for truth and Pena's monastic past.
- Take advantage of the optional shuttle service at Pena Palace, saving yourself from a 30-minute walk between the entrance to the Park and the Palace.
- Fun fact: The Initiation Well at Quinta da Regaleira was designed to symbolize the nine circles of Dante’s Inferno and was used for esoteric rites.
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- Experience the wonder of garden mazes, the Abundance Fountain, and the lush Greenhouse, all at your own pace with entry to Quinta da Regaleira.
- Step into the world of royalty with access to Sintra's Pena Palace & Park. Admire the colorful Camellia Garden, the ornate King's bedroom, and more.
- Add more insights and historical context to your tour with the option of audio guides. Tune into Monteiro's quest for truth and Pena's monastic past.
- Take advantage of the optional shuttle service at Pena Palace, saving yourself from a 30-minute walk between the entrance to the Park and the Palace.
- Fun fact: The Initiation Well at Quinta da Regaleira was designed to symbolize the nine circles of Dante’s Inferno and was used for esoteric rites.
- Explore the military-style architecture of the Moorish Castle, a 9th-century fortification that offers spectacular views of the Pena Palace & the Sintra hills.
- Climb up its watch tower or take in the thought behind the castle’s Second Ring of Walls, designed to protect the people and harvest.
- Take in the Romanticist architecture of the stunning Pena Palace which also features an intricate mix of neo-Gothic, Manueline, and Islamic elements.
- Walk through 200 acres of lush gardens that surround the palace and are dotted with statues, small ponds, benches, and so much more.
- Upgrade your ticket to get an audio guide in four languages that gives you richer insights into the Pena Palace’s history and architecture.
More details
- Explore the military-style architecture of the Moorish Castle, a 9th-century fortification that offers spectacular views of the Pena Palace & the Sintra hills.
- Climb up its watch tower or take in the thought behind the castle’s Second Ring of Walls, designed to protect the people and harvest.
- Take in the Romanticist architecture of the stunning Pena Palace which also features an intricate mix of neo-Gothic, Manueline, and Islamic elements.
- Walk through 200 acres of lush gardens that surround the palace and are dotted with statues, small ponds, benches, and so much more.
- Upgrade your ticket to get an audio guide in four languages that gives you richer insights into the Pena Palace’s history and architecture.
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Save up to 50% on local services and tourist attractions with your Lisbon Card, and make further savings with entry to the Pena Palace in Sintra with this combo ticket.
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Valid for 24, 48, or 72 hours depending on the option selected, the Lisbon Card grants you access to the city’s public transport, and free entry to 39 museums, monuments, and places of interest!
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Learn more about the city’s fascinating history at the Lisbon Story Center and the Sintra Myths & Legends Interactive Centre or experience a virtual reality tour at the 25 de Abril Bridge.
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Marvel at the magnificent Pena Palace, a Portuguese tourist attraction that flaunts 19th century Romanticism architectural styles and a stunning park with winding paths and pavilions.
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Upgrade your ticket to get round-trip transportation to and from the main entrance of the park and palace.
More details
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Save up to 50% on local services and tourist attractions with your Lisbon Card, and make further savings with entry to the Pena Palace in Sintra with this combo ticket.
-
Valid for 24, 48, or 72 hours depending on the option selected, the Lisbon Card grants you access to the city’s public transport, and free entry to 39 museums, monuments, and places of interest!
-
Learn more about the city’s fascinating history at the Lisbon Story Center and the Sintra Myths & Legends Interactive Centre or experience a virtual reality tour at the 25 de Abril Bridge.
-
Marvel at the magnificent Pena Palace, a Portuguese tourist attraction that flaunts 19th century Romanticism architectural styles and a stunning park with winding paths and pavilions.
-
Upgrade your ticket to get round-trip transportation to and from the main entrance of the park and palace.
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Step into a colorful fairytale and soak in the bright yellow walls, red turrets, and Manueline Gothic windows of the 19th-century palace.
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Marvel at the tilework pattern of the Arab room or the grand hearths in the Main Kitchen as you stroll through the palace interiors.
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Channel your inner Royal on the Queen’s terrace overlooking the gardens or in the King’s study filled with quills, inkwells, and stacks of paper.
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Learn about the palace’s origins and modern construction in your preferred language, with tours available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
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Fun fact: Spot a ship or two on the ceilings of the palace adorned with the nautical Manueline style of painting.
More details
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Step into a colorful fairytale and soak in the bright yellow walls, red turrets, and Manueline Gothic windows of the 19th-century palace.
-
Marvel at the tilework pattern of the Arab room or the grand hearths in the Main Kitchen as you stroll through the palace interiors.
-
Channel your inner Royal on the Queen’s terrace overlooking the gardens or in the King’s study filled with quills, inkwells, and stacks of paper.
-
Learn about the palace’s origins and modern construction in your preferred language, with tours available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
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Fun fact: Spot a ship or two on the ceilings of the palace adorned with the nautical Manueline style of painting.
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A comprehensive tour of Sintra’s historic center and the Pena Palace within it—ideal for anyone looking to dive into their rich history.
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Enjoy a guided tour of the town of Sintra and Guincho Beach by a local guide in a language of your choice.
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Spend some free time exploring its charming streets, all with a panoramic view of its hills in the background.
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Follow your guide as they tell you all about Guincho Beach, and pop into one of the many cafes in Cascais for a sumptuous meal.
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Upgrade your tickets to get access to the Pena Palace & Park to understand its history and architecture in greater detail.
More details
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A comprehensive tour of Sintra’s historic center and the Pena Palace within it—ideal for anyone looking to dive into their rich history.
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Enjoy a guided tour of the town of Sintra and Guincho Beach by a local guide in a language of your choice.
-
Spend some free time exploring its charming streets, all with a panoramic view of its hills in the background.
-
Follow your guide as they tell you all about Guincho Beach, and pop into one of the many cafes in Cascais for a sumptuous meal.
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Upgrade your tickets to get access to the Pena Palace & Park to understand its history and architecture in greater detail.
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Enjoy a smooth visit with pre-booked entry tickets to both Sintra National Palace and Pena Palace & Park—no last-minute stress.
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Explore the grand halls of Sintra National Palace and the expansive gardens of Pena Park, just 20 minutes apart by car.
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See the beautiful tilework and royal chambers of Sintra National Palace, then wander through forests and hidden trails in Pena Park.
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No rush, explore at your pace. Take your time to admire the palaces, their gardens, and hidden corners full of history.
More details
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Enjoy a smooth visit with pre-booked entry tickets to both Sintra National Palace and Pena Palace & Park—no last-minute stress.
-
Explore the grand halls of Sintra National Palace and the expansive gardens of Pena Park, just 20 minutes apart by car.
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See the beautiful tilework and royal chambers of Sintra National Palace, then wander through forests and hidden trails in Pena Park.
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No rush, explore at your pace. Take your time to admire the palaces, their gardens, and hidden corners full of history.
5% off
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A full-day tour that takes you to the historic center of Sintra, the stunning Pena Palace, and the Quinta da Regaleira.
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Explore the Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira with an expert local guide who’ll tell you all about their history, architecture, and significance.
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Discover the wonders of the Pena Palace, a stunning Romanticist castle nestled atop the rolling Sintra Mountains.
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Explore the gardens at the Quinta da Regaleira, its underground Initiation Wells, grottoes, and stunning Romantic architecture.
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Enjoy convenient and seamless transfers between each landmark in a comfortable, air-conditioned coach.
More details
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A full-day tour that takes you to the historic center of Sintra, the stunning Pena Palace, and the Quinta da Regaleira.
-
Explore the Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira with an expert local guide who’ll tell you all about their history, architecture, and significance.
-
Discover the wonders of the Pena Palace, a stunning Romanticist castle nestled atop the rolling Sintra Mountains.
-
Explore the gardens at the Quinta da Regaleira, its underground Initiation Wells, grottoes, and stunning Romantic architecture.
-
Enjoy convenient and seamless transfers between each landmark in a comfortable, air-conditioned coach.
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Uncover the mysteries of Sintra’s Pena Palace and Park with entry tickets and a self-guided audio tour created by experts.
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Learn of the exciting history and architecture of this iconic royal home, accompanied by award-winning stories on your phone.
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Begin from Camellia Garden toward the Column Temple, following a well-planned route through Monk’s Cave and the Lake Valley.
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Get optional round-trip transfers to and from the Pena Palace and Park, to cut down on what would be a 30-minute walk.
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Fun fact: The palace was initially painted entirely in pink! Over time, the color scheme evolved to the current vibrant blend of yellows and reds.
More details
-
Uncover the mysteries of Sintra’s Pena Palace and Park with entry tickets and a self-guided audio tour created by experts.
-
Learn of the exciting history and architecture of this iconic royal home, accompanied by award-winning stories on your phone.
-
Begin from Camellia Garden toward the Column Temple, following a well-planned route through Monk’s Cave and the Lake Valley.
-
Get optional round-trip transfers to and from the Pena Palace and Park, to cut down on what would be a 30-minute walk.
-
Fun fact: The palace was initially painted entirely in pink! Over time, the color scheme evolved to the current vibrant blend of yellows and reds.
Pro tips to help you make a pick
Similar things to do in Lisbon
About National Palace of Pena
Where historic castles dot the Atlantic coastline, sits the magical Pena Palace. Perched atop a Sintra hill, this 19th-century 'fairytale fortress' blends Romantic, Manueline, and Moorish styles. Once a Portuguese royal summer retreat, its lavish interiors reflect regal luxury.
Ferdinand II's artistic touch graced Pena Palace with a unique color scheme—red for the original monastery and yellow for the extension. The palace's blend of bright hues and Islamic influences harmoniously coexists with medieval European accents.
Easily visible from Sintra town, Pena Palace boasts yellow minarets and rich parapets. Delve into the "purple wing" within to discover intriguing interior spaces.
In homage to his second wife, the Countess of Edla, Ferdinand II constructed the Chalet of the Countess of Edla—a double-story building seamlessly blending with its urban surroundings.
The Pena Palace has many intriguing interior elements. The Telephone room, Indian room, Arab room, and 14 monk cells with vaulted ceilings that became royal chambers, the chapel's stained glass window of Vasco da Gama kneeling before the monarch are beautifully stationed inside.
Ferdinand planned the Pena Palace park to be exploratory. Within the park's 85 hectares (210 acres), its intriguing curving walkways lead to attractions including the Valley of Lakes, Grotto of the Monk, and Queen's Fern Valley.
Why visit National Palace of Pena?
Highlights
Ornate Stuccos
The interior of Pena Palace features ornate stuccos, multi-patterned columns, Moorish-arched ceilings, and much of the original monastery’s chapel. Many rooms inside Pena Palace are painted in trompe-l’oeil which is an amazing painting method that gives the illusion of depth and layering while only using paint.
The Queen’s terrace
The Queen’s terrace of Pena Palace is an exquisite place for any visitor - affording majestic views across the palace, Sintra Valley, and Moorish Castle. In front of the Queen’s terrace, you can see the High Cross, which is located at the highest point of the Sintra mountain range. There is a vast view from this terrace ranging from the ocean in the distance on one side and Lisbon looking eastwards.
Chapel
The Chapel of Our Lady of Pena in Pena Palace is one of the few remaining original structures from the former monastery. Parts of the original monastery were destroyed in an earthquake, leading to the construction of the present Pena Palace. The chapel is surprisingly small and its centerpiece is usually the altar.
King Carlos’ office
The Office of King Carlos served as his place of work and leisure and adjoined the king’s bedroom. On the walls, there are paintings on fabric by King Carlos himself, depicting nymphs and fawns in the Park of Pena. The paintings may have been left unfinished due to the 1908 regicide that saw the assassination of both King Carlos and his eldest son.
Watchtowers
Pena Palace is comprised of two wings: one built over a former monastery (painted pink) and a new one (painted yellow). The palace is ringed by storybook watchtowers, battlements, and even a drawbridge. The watchtowers are of various shapes and provide stunning views of Sintra from the second-highest vantage point on Sintra Hill. The palace was elected one of the seven wonders de Portugal on 7 July 2007.
Manueline Cloisters
The Manueline Cloister is a point of interest within Pena Palace. Visitors access the interiors of Pena Palace along a route that was reserved for the Royal Family up until 1910 and also corresponds to the entranceway of monks into the monastery prior to 1834. Ferdinand II redesigned this entrance to establish a double staircase with parallel flights. The cloister is one of many elements preserved from the remains of the Hieronymite convent including the dining room, sacristy, and Manueline-Renaissance chapel.
The Courtyard of Arches
The Courtyard of Arches is a terrace located within Pena Palace. It is named after its arches that provide a view of a vast landscape looking out over the Atlantic Ocean and the Sintra Hills1. From this vantage point, visitors may also view the Park of Pena, planted by Ferdinand who transformed the rough landscape of the hills into a romantic park with trees brought in from all over the world.
Royal dining room
The Royal Dining Room is a grand room where the royal family would dine. It features ornate decorations and furnishings that give you a sense of what it was like to dine like royalty. The room is adorned with beautiful paintings and tapestries that add to its grandeur. The table is set with fine china and silverware, giving you an idea of the lavish meals that were served here.
Staterooms
Inside Pena Palace, you will pass through various staterooms that served as the summer residence for the royal family. Some of these staterooms include a royal dining room, noble room, bedrooms and a chapel. There are also some large assembly rooms inside such as Sala de Visitas, Salão Nobre and the King’s Chambers. The interior of Pena Palace is impressive with many staterooms styled with fine examples of grand 19th-century furniture
Plan your visit
Main gate
The main entrance is located at the bottom of the hill, and it is the most accessible for those who are driving or taking the bus. There is a parking lot and bus stop nearby, and the walk from the entrance to the palace is only about 10 minutes.
Park gate
The park entrance is located at the top of the hill. This entrance is more challenging to reach, as it requires a walk or hike of about 30 minutes. However, it is also the most scenic entrance, as it offers stunning views of the palace and the surrounding mountains.
There are three gift shops on the grounds of Pena Palace: the Loja da Cerca, the Loja do Terraço da Lua, and the Loja da Rainha. The gift shops sell a variety of souvenirs, including books, postcards, t-shirts, and jewelry.
Indulge in delectable traditional Portuguese cuisine at the restaurant situated within the palace itself.
Convenient restroom facilities are provided for visitors within the Pena Palace complex.
There is a limited amount of parking available at the palace entrance. There is also a paid parking lot located a short walk from the palace.
Pena Palace is wheelchair accessible to a certain degree. There is a ramp leading up to the palace entrance, but it is long and steep, so assistance may be necessary. There is also a paid transfer running every 15 minutes between the park entrance and the palace, which is wheelchair accessible. Visitors with reduced mobility have a discount when booking this transfer.
Service animals are allowed inside Pena Palace. The palace is committed to providing an accessible and inclusive experience for all visitors, including those with disabilities.
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