Pena Palace, also known as the "Castle Palace of Sinatra", stands majestically at the top of a green hill, overlooking the magical town of Sinatra and its surroundings. Its bright colors and unique architectural style, which combines Moorish, Gothic Renaissance elements that made it one of the most famous and beloved sites in Portugal.
A visit to the Pena Palace, a colorful gem in the heart of Sinatra
Pena Palace is an impressive testament to Portugal's rich past.
Visiting it allows a glimpse into the royal life, culture and history of the country. Pena Palace, located in the heart of the magnificent Sintra Park in Portugal, is not only a popular tourist attraction, but also an important historical and cultural milestone. Its construction began in the 9th century as a small Moorish castle, and has undergone many incarnations over the years, reflecting the rich history of the area.
Additional interesting facts about Pena Palace:
- The palace was used as a photo set for many movies and TV series, including "James Bond: Her Majesty's Service" and "A Love Story of Two Romeos".
- The palace houses one of the largest collections of painted tiles in Portugal.
- Every year an international classical music competition is held in Pena Palace.
The history of Pena Palace in Sintra
Rich history:
The construction of Pena Palace began in 1836, by order of King Fernando II. The king, a staunch romantic, wanted to build a palace that would be an architectural expression of his personal vision, and would reflect his love for the world of legends and chivalry. The construction of the palace lasted several decades, and was completed in 1850.
Architectural influences:
The palace combines many architectural styles, including:
- My teacher: Moorish arches decorated with geometric ornaments, colorful tiles and inner courtyards surrounded by vegetation create an exotic atmosphere. A striking example of this is the "Arab" courtyard, surrounded by arched galleries and a colorful tiled floor.
- Gothic: Pointed turrets rising to the sky, colored stained glass windows and ribbed arches decorate the palace and give it a romantic and mysterious look. An example of this can be seen in the Council Chamber, where magnificent stained glass windows depict scenes from the New Testament.
- Renaissance: Classical decorations, balanced proportions and the use of gray limestone characterize the Renaissance style in the palace. An example of this is the Great Hall, where you can see classically shaped arches and windows, and magnificent decorations on the ceiling.
main characters:
- King Fernando II: The initiator of the construction of the palace and an avid art and architecture enthusiast. The king was known for his artistic vision and his love for the world of fairy tales, and the palace reflects his unique personality.
- William Ludwig von Ashwagandha: The chief architect of the palace, successfully combined different architectural styles and created a unique creation. Ashwagandha was a well-known German architect, who designed many buildings throughout Europe. He is known for his ability to combine different architectural styles and create unique and impressive buildings.
- Queen Mary II: The wife of King Fernando II, contributed a lot to the interior design of the palace. The queen was known for her fine taste in art and design, and she contributed a lot to making the palace a beautiful and impressive place.
A visit to the Pena Palace, a colorful gem in the heart of Sinatra
Significant events:
- 1847: The wedding of King Fernando II and Queen Maria II took place in the palace. The royal wedding was a magnificent event, held in the great hall of the palace. The hall was decorated with flowers and many decorations, and the guests enjoyed music, dancing and fine refreshments.
- 1910: The republican revolution in Portugal ended the monarchy, and the palace became public property. The republican revolution changed the face of Portugal, and brought an end to the monarchy. The palace, which was previously used as a residence for kings, became public property and was opened to the general public.
- 1989: UNESCO declared the Pena Palace and other palaces in Sintra a World Heritage Site. The UNESCO declaration gave the palace a special status and recognized its historical and cultural importance.
- Today: Pena Palace is one of the most popular tourist sites in Portugal. Every year it is visited by hundreds of thousands of tourists from all over the world, who come to be impressed by its beauty, its rich history and the breathtaking view of Sinatra.
Sintra's Castle Park A journey into a magical world
Sintra Castle Park, which covers a vast area, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is an integral part of the charm that surrounds the magical town of Sintra. Its winding paths, surrounded by rich vegetation, lead to magnificent historical buildings, secret gardens, green waterfalls and mysterious caves. A walk in the park is like A journey into a magical world, a world where legends come to life and ancient secrets are revealed.
Glorious history:
The history of the castle park is closely related to the history of Pena Palace. Over the years, the park served as a royal hunting ground, a botanical garden and a recreation area for the Portuguese aristocracy. In the 19th century, the park underwent an extensive renovation inspired by romanticism, incorporating exotic elements, symbols of chivalry and mystical secrets.
Fascinating attractions:
Visiting the Castle Park of Sintra is an unforgettable experience, offering plenty of attractions for all ages and interests:
- Pena Palace:The crown jewel of the park, a colorful palace in a romantic style, which is now used as a popular tourist site. A trip between the ancient walls of the palace, discovering its hidden secrets and observing the breathtaking view from its windows will undoubtedly be an unforgettable experience.
- Quinta da Regaleira:A mysterious mansion, whose gardens are decorated with symbolic buildings, underground caves and hidden tunnels. Lovers of adventure and mysticism will enjoy exploring the hidden secrets of the mansion and discovering the fascinating stories hidden within its walls.
- Chalet da Condessa d'Édiça: A Swiss-style cabin, offering spectacular views of Sintra and the surrounding area. It is recommended to go up to the balcony of the cabin and take spectacular photos of the panoramic view.
- Monserrate Palace:An Indo-Muslim style palace, surrounded by beautiful botanical gardens. A walk through these gardens, which combine exotic vegetation, sculptures and spectacular fountains, will be a unique aesthetic experience.
- Pena Park Lake:A picturesque lake, surrounded by green vegetation and perfect for a picnic in nature or sailing in a rowboat. A relaxed day on the shores of the lake will be a wonderful break from a trip full of attractions.
- Grotto of the Giant: An artificial cave, decorated with magnificent sculptures and murals. Art and history lovers will enjoy exploring the cave and discovering its fascinating story.
Cross of the Martyrs: A huge wooden cross, located at the highest point in the park and offering a panoramic view of Sintra. Climbing to the cross will reward you with a breathtaking view and a special spiritual experience.
Activities for the whole family in Sintra Castle Park
Sinatra Park is a large national park, covering an area of about 380 square kilometers. In the park you can find a wide variety of hiking trails, suitable for all fitness levels.
Recommended routes in Sinatra Park:
Sinatra Park offers a wide variety of hiking trails, suitable for all fitness levels.
Here are some of the most recommended routes, with more details on each route:
- 1. The Castle Trail (Trilha do Castelo):
- Length: 4.5 km
- Walking duration: 2-3 hours
- Difficulty: Medium
- Route description: This route starts at the entrance to the park and leads to Pena Palace, through a beautiful forest. Along the route you can enjoy spectacular views of the palace and the surrounding area. The route passes through several points of interest, among them:
- Porta da Pena: The entrance gate to the palace opened.
- Chalet da Condessa: A small cafe with a beautiful view of the palace.
- Cruz Alta: A high cross with a panoramic view of the area.
- tips: The trail may be steep in some places, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes. It is recommended to bring water and snacks with you.
- Quinta da Regaleira route (Trilha da Quinta da Regaleira):
- Length: 4 km
- Walking duration: 2-3 hours
- Difficulty: light-medium
- Route description: This route starts at the entrance to the park and leads to the Quinta da Regaleira estate, known for its mysterious gardens. Along the route you can discover caves, tunnels, mysterious symbols and many other points of interest. The route passes through several points of interest, among them:
- Initiatic Wells: Two deep wells, connected by an underground tunnel.
- Lagoon: A small and beautiful lake, surrounded by green vegetation.
- Gruta do Património: An underground cave with mysterious symbols.
- tips: It is recommended to purchase an entrance ticket to the Quinta da Regaleira estate before starting the route. You can rent a headlamp at the manor's visitor center.
- Cabo da Roca route (Trilha do Cabo da Roca):
- Length: 16 km
- Walking duration: 5-6 hours
- Difficulty: Hard
- Route description: This route leads to the westernmost point in Europe, Cabo da Roca. The route passes through steep cliffs and beautiful beaches, and you can enjoy spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean. Along the route you can discover several points of interest, among them:
- Farol da Roca: A historic lighthouse, located at the westernmost point in Europe.
- Praia da Ursa: A secluded and beautiful beach, surrounded by high cliffs.
- Praia do Guincho: A popular beach for surfing, with strong waves and strong wind.
- tips: The route can be challenging in some places, so be sure to be in good shape and wear suitable shoes. It is recommended to bring plenty of water, sunscreen and a hat.
In addition to hiking trails, you can also tour the park by bicycle, horseback or cable car.
Tips for a walk in the park:
- comfortable shoes: It is recommended to wear comfortable and closed shoes, suitable for walking on unpaved terrain.
- water: It is recommended to stock up on a sufficient amount of water, especially on hot days.
- hat: It is recommended to have a hat to protect from the sun.
- Sunscreen: It is recommended to apply sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun.
- from here: It is recommended to have a map of the park, in order not to get lost.
- food: You can bring food and drinks from home, or enjoy the variety of restaurants and cafes scattered throughout the park.
- Honor of nature: It is important to keep the park clean and not to leave trash in the area.
In conclusion: The Castle Park of Sinatra is a magical place that offers plenty of attractions for the whole family. A hike in the park is a great way to experience its natural beauty, its rich history and the special atmosphere that surrounds it.
Tickets to Pena Palace in Sintra include skipping the queue
Walk into 1,000 years of Portuguese history at the National Palace of Sintra, one of the most important and impressive monuments in Portugal!
Order tickets today and enjoy:
Quick access: Skip the lines and take part in a real royal experience!
Audio guide: Learn fascinating information about the history, culture and unique architecture of the palace.
Independent trip: Discover at your own pace the charming inner courtyards, decorated with colorful tiles and arched windows, walk in the footsteps of the Portuguese kings and take in spectacular views.
Spectacular architecture: Admire the special combination of Manueline and Mojave styles, which make the palace a historical and cultural milestone.
The National Palace of Sintra, also known as the Pena Palace, is:
UNESCO World Heritage Site
The former seat of the kings of Portugal
One of the most impressive buildings in Portugal
Don't miss an opportunity to experience the history and magic of Portugal up close!
More details:
Opening Hours: 9:30-18:00 (last entry 17:30)
Address: Largo Rainha Dona Amélia, 2710-616 Sintra
Note: The palace is closed on December 25 and January 1.
How to get:
- in the car: Driving on the IC19 (from Lisbon), IC30 (from Mafra) or EN9 (turning from the A5 highway to Cascais). GPS coordinates: 38º 47' 50.50” N 9º 23' 25.87” W.
- by public transport: Train (Comboios de Portugal) from Estação do Oriente, Estação do Rossio or Estação de Entrecampos station in Lisbon to Sintra station. From there, Scotturb buses #434 or 435 to the palace.
tips:
- Arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
- Comfortable shoes are essential - you will have to climb up a hill.
- Don't forget to bring a camera! The views are spectacular.
Sinatra Park and Palace Pena ticket with fast entry
Skip the lines and get fast access to the impressive Pena Palace!
- Provider: Tiqets International BV
- Price: from 42 euros (depending on the selected date)
Advantages of the card:
- Quick entry: You will save precious time by skipping the lines to the palace.
- Immediate delivery: Receive the tickets directly to your smartphone.
- Accessible to wheelchairs.
- digital card: No need to print anything.
Important Information:
- You must arrive 15 minutes before the entry time that will be determined when selecting the ticket.
- The selected time window is valid for entering the palace only. You can visit the park at any time.
What is included:
- Quick entry to Pena Palace
- Map of Pena Palace (downloadable)
meeting point:
Estrada da Pena, 2710-609, Sintra
attractions:
- Pena Palace: Discover a castle from the 16th century that combines different architectural styles - a design lover's dream!
- Sinatra Park: Visit the monastery that became a castle and a green paradise that covers 500 dunams, full of vegetation and hidden treasures.
- A historical experience: Learn about the history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Spectacular architecture: A boat inside a unique castle from the 16th century, decorated in bright colors and influenced by Romantic, Renaissance, Manueline and Moorish styles.
- Spectacular gardens: The gardens were carefully designed to suit the local climate and include over 500 species of trees from all over the world. This is his escape from the busy life.
- Breathtaking view: From the castle there is an amazing view of the Sintra area, the coastline and you can even see the city of Lisbon in the distance.
Instructions:
- Go to the meeting point near the Palace Shop at the time indicated on the ticket. A representative from Pena Palace will direct you to the express entrance.
Cancellation and reschedule policy:
- You can receive a full refund if you choose a card that can be canceled at the time of payment, and cancel it until the day before the visit at 23:59 PM.
- Changing the date is not possible for this ticket.
A visit to the Pena Palace, a colorful gem in the heart of Sinatra
Tips and recommendations for visitors to Pena Palace and Sinatra Park
Before the visit:
- Buy tickets in advance: Especially during peak season, purchasing tickets online in advance will save you time and avoid standing in long lines.
- Book a guided tour: A guided tour can give you deeper insights into the history and culture of the palace and park.
- Check the weather: Choose a clear and dry day to visit, as some of the attractions are in the open air.
- comfortable shoes: You will have to walk a lot, so be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes.
- water: Bring drinking water with you, especially if the weather is hot.
- snacks: If you plan to spend a whole day in the park, it is recommended to bring snacks with you.
- Sunscreen: Apply sunscreen even if the weather is cloudy.
- hat: It is recommended to bring a hat to protect from the sun.
During the visit:
- arrived early: Arriving early in the morning or late in the afternoon will help you avoid crowds.
- Focus on the attractions that interest you: It is not possible to see all the attractions in one day, so choose in advance what you want to focus on.
- Walk in the park: After visiting the palace, don't forget to take a walk in the beautiful gardens of Sinatra Park.
- Stop for views: There are several great vantage points in the park that offer spectacular views of the area.
- take a break: There are several cafes and restaurants in the park where you can take a break and enjoy a light meal or a drink.
- Be patient: There may be queues at popular attractions, so be patient and wait your turn.
- Respect the environment: Keep the park clean and make sure not to harm the flora and fauna.
Additional tips:
- Golf carts can be rented at the park, which can be convenient if you have difficulty walking.
- There are several shuttle services available in the park that can take you from point to point.
- You can purchase a combined ticket that includes entry to Pena Palace and several other attractions in Sintra.
- If you are visiting Portugal in the summer, it may be hot and humid in the park. Be sure to drink plenty of water and avoid strenuous activity during the hottest hours of the day.
A visit to the Pena Palace, a colorful gem in the heart of Sinatra
What is there to see in Pena Palace in Sintra? Are there special gardens there? Everything you wanted to ask about Pena Palace in Sintra
Pena National Palace is a magnificent royal palace located in the heart of the magnificent Sintra Park in Portugal. It is known for its unique architecture, which combines Manueline, Mojave, Gothic and Romantic styles, and for the spectacular views it offers. Here are some additional details about Pena Palace: Rich history: Its construction began in the 9th century as a small Moorish castle, and has undergone many incarnations over the years, reflecting the rich history of the area. It served as a Franciscan monastery, and then became the favorite summer residence of the Portuguese royal family. Popular tourist attraction: Today, Pena Palace is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Portugal. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. Impressive architecture: The palace is known for its colorful exterior walls, pointed spiers and arched windows. The interior of the palace is decorated with sumptuous furniture, murals and works of art.
Pena National Palace and Park: Pena National Palace and Park are one site, located in the heart of the spectacular Sintra Park. The palace is known for its unique architecture, which combines Manueline, Mojave, Gothic and Romantic styles, and for the spectacular views it offers. The gardens around the palace include a wide variety of plants and flowers, as well as statues, fountains and historical buildings. Sintra National Park: Sintra National Park is a large national park, covering an area of approximately 380 square kilometers. The park is known for its spectacular views, which include mountains, forests, historic mansions and palaces. In the park you can find a wide variety of activities, including walking , cycling, mountain climbing and visiting historical sites. Here are some more facts about Sintra Park: The park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. The park is home to a wide variety of animals, including deer, wild boars and butterflies.
Inside the Pena Sinatra Palace you will discover a fascinating world of history, art and culture: luxurious rooms: the throne room: a luxurious room decorated with luxurious furniture, wall paintings and expensive wallpapers. Important royal ceremonies took place here. The dining room: a large and bright room, decorated with painted tiles and statues. Here they ate festive family meals. St. George's Chapel: a small and decorated chapel, where religious ceremonies took place. Art treasures: collection of wall paintings: the palace displays many wall paintings depicting historical events, religious figures and scenes from mythology. Collection of weapons: the palace displays an impressive collection of ancient weapons, including swords, guns and pistols. Jewelry collection: the palace displays a prestigious jewelry collection, which was used by the Portuguese royal family. Painted tiles: Many walls in the palace are decorated with beautiful painted tiles, depicting scenes from life, nature and religion.
Yes, it is definitely possible to tour Sinatra Park! Sinatra Park is a large national park, covering an area of approximately 380 square kilometers. In the park you can find a wide variety of hiking trails, suitable for all fitness levels. Here are some of the most popular trails: The Castle Trail: This trail starts at the entrance to the park and leads to Pena Palace. The route passes through a beautiful forest, and you can enjoy spectacular views of the palace and the surroundings. Quinta da Regaleira route: This route leads to the Quinta da Regaleira estate. The estate is known for its mysterious gardens, tunnels and mysterious symbols. You can also travel in the park by bicycle, horseback riding or cable car.
