Visit the Park and National Palace of Pena
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Exploring both the park and the National Pena Palace offers a captivating journey through Sintra’s rich history and natural beauty.
This visit is an unforgettable experience with the Park and National Palace of Pena. It’s the perfect way to soak in the charm and allure of Sintra, leaving you with unforgettable memories.
Tourist Information
Sintra Castle is an extraordinary structure that has no analogues in the world. Its unique architecture and magnificent views have made it one of the most beautiful castles in Europe and the pride of Portugal. A UNESCO heritage site, the castle also ranks among the 7 Wonders of Portugal.
The Sintra National Palace offers spectacular views of the surrounding area, from the mountain ranges to the city and even the Atlantic Ocean. As you approach the castle, you may feel like a hero from a fairy tale novel or a cartoon, as the atmosphere is like something out of a movie.
The most impressive view of the castle is from the park, starting from the monument to the King who created this amazing Portugal Castle. Getting around the whole park at once is not easy. If you are interested in botany and park architecture, it is worth dedicating a whole day to this place.
The park impresses with its diversity: there are waterfalls, ponds, fountains and lakes. Architectural and decorative elements are scattered throughout the park, creating a unique atmosphere of mystery and magic.
Interesting Facts
- The site where Sintra Portugal Castle now stands was once a pilgrimage site for kings, and on the highest hill stood the chapel of Our Lady of Pena and then a Manuelino-style monastery.
- An earthquake in 1755 destroyed the monastery, leaving only ruins that stood unchanged for over a century.
- In 1838 the royal family acquired the land and King Ferdinand II decided to turn the ruins into a summer residence.
- The construction of the Sintra Palace lasted 12 years and became an example of 19th-century romantic architecture with pseudo-medieval elements.
- The castle combines different architectural styles such as Oriental, Moorish, Renaissance and Gothic.
- After the death of Ferdinand II, the castle passed to his widow, the Countess d’Edla, and then became the property of the State.
- The Sintra Palace Pena became the summer residence of the last queen of Portugal, Amelie of Orléans, and remained in the ownership of the royal family until her departure from Portugal due to the revolution.
- The brightly colored walls of Sintra Castle Portugal only appeared in 1994, adding variety to an architecture that was previously monochromatic.
- The main parts of the castle structure include the circumferential walls, the castle body (former monastery), the courtyard and the palace itself.
- For visitors to the Palacio de Pena, the entrance is through the Arc de Triomphe, and inside they can see the authentic doors and the Spanish-Moorish tiles that line the floors and walls.
- The Triton Arch and the Triton Terrace provide excellent views of the eastern part of the park and the neighborhood of Palacio da Pena.
- The restored remains of the Jerónimos monastery are represented in the clock tower and chapel.
- Even on a cloudy day or in the presence of fog, the castle retains its romantic atmosphere, making it truly impressive for visitors, where you can take Sintra National Palace photos.
Open Hours
The Palace of Pena garden and architectural complex in Sintra is open during the summer season from March 28 to October 30: the palace is open from 9:30 to 19:00 and the park is accessible from 9:30 to 20:00. In the low season, starting October 31, the schedule changes: the palace and park are open from 10:00 to 18:00.
Visitors can purchase tickets at Sintra Pena Palace up to an hour before closing time, and admission to the attraction ceases 30 minutes before closing time.
Tickets
Sintra tickets for individual site visits and combined tickets are available at the following prices:
- National Palace of Sintra:
- Adults (18-64 years): €14;
- Children (6-17 years old): €12.5;
- People 65+ years: €12.5;
- Family (2 adults + 2 children): €49.
- Park:
- Adults (18-64 years old): €7,5;
- Children (6-17 years old): €6,6;
- People 65+ years: €6,5;
- Family (2 adults + 2 children): €26.
At the end of the tourist season, ticket prices for Pena Palace Portugal usually decrease. It is recommended to check the current prices and schedule changes on the official website of the Pena Palace in Sintra before the winter season starts.
Address
Address of Pena National Palace: Estrada da Pena Sintra 2710-609.
How to Get to Park and National Palace of Pena
There are a few options for travel to Pena National Palace:
Train: Several trains per hour (CP line) depart from Oriente, Rossio and Entrecampos stations. Travel time is between 40 minutes and 1 hour and the fare is €2.25 (website www.cp.pt). After arriving at the train station, you can take Scotturb bus #434 for 3 euros (5.5 euros round trip). The distance to the palace complex is 3.5 km, and the road climbs steeply uphill where you can take Pena Palace photos.
By car: Take the IC19 highway. Navigation coordinates of Pena Palace in Sintra.
On foot from the historic center of Sintra: If you prefer a leisurely walk, you can reach the following trails on foot: From the Moorish Palace (Percurso de Santa Maria), covering 1,770 meters in about an hour. From Percurso da Lapa, 1,450 meters in 45 minutes at a leisurely pace.