The other day we gave you a few ideas about what to see and do in the Sintra city, just half an hour from Lisbon. Today we want to make a paragraph to speak specifically about the famous Palacio da Pena, a unique palace that attracts thousands of visitors who want to see up close a palace that seems like a story, with an eclectic style that cannot be seen anywhere else.
The Pena Palace It is one of the main tourist attractions in the city of Sintra, although we already know that it is not the only one. But if your visit is short and you have to choose, you cannot fail to see this magnificent palace inside and out, it will not leave you indifferent with its mix of styles and ideas.
How to get to the Palacio da Pena
We already know that to get to Sintra we have several easy options from the center of Lisbon. Now, once in Sintra, how do we get to the beautiful Palacio da Pena? You can also choose between several ways to approach the palace. On the one hand you can make the journey on footas there are some hiking trails from the city center. Everything must be said, these routes last between 45 minutes and an hour or an hour and a half, so we must wear suitable footwear and be willing to walk a lot. Find out in the city about the Santa María Route, Lapa Route, Seteais Route and Vila Sassetti Route.
On the other hand, you can approach by car easily from the historic center, which already has signs to reach the palace, which is only 3,5 kilometers away. If you have not rented a car, you can always take a bus at the station indicated by the Circuito de la Pena.
Schedules and prices of the Palacio da Pena
Schedules and prices may vary depending on the season and year, so we recommend that you consult them on pages such as www.lisboa.es, which has everything up to date. In addition, we must consult the rates for children and the possibility of buy combined tickets, which always come out at a better price. Currently the entrance to the park and the palace is € 11,50 for adults and the hours are from 10 in the morning to XNUMX in the afternoon, but as we say this can change.
What to know about the Palacio da Pena
This palace is located in the sierra de Sintra, a protected natural enclave of great beauty, a few kilometers from the historic center of the city. It is in the second highest point of the mountain range, and therefore its views are magnificent. The palace is formed on the one hand by the old Manueline convent of the Order of San Jerónimo, which was bought by King Ferdinand II, who built another wing in the 1994th century. All this is surrounded by an architectural complex that was created with different styles, giving rise to a truly eclectic and unique palace, unique in the world. Likewise, the king decided to plant the Parque da Pena around the palace, with pavilions, plants from all over the world, trees and places of great beauty. Already in XNUMX the original colors of the castle were recovered, with pink for the old palace and ocher for the new one, very characteristic colors that today are associated so much with the Palacio da Pena.
Visit to the Pena Palace
This palace has many places to see and you have to Take it easy. We must not only dedicate time to the exterior and the interior rooms, but also to its famous gardens and the places that we find in them. A good idea is to get a handy map and plan your visit so that you don't leave anything behind.
La palace architecture In its outdoor area it is one of its biggest claims, and that is that its colors and all the small details that we can see will keep us busy for a long time. Carved doors, a style inspired by romanticism, typical Portuguese tiles, walkways, towers and spectacular views is what we have outside.
However, its interior is also worth enjoying, which is also a mixture of romantic styles, but we will also see some Arabic inspiration in its central courtyard with outdoor fountain. Inside we will take a tour of some rooms, such as the dining room, which has crockery ready for diners, drawing attention to the vaulted ceilings. Also not to be missed is the large palace kitchen, where all the work of the banquets was carried out, with all the utensils arranged.
On the other hand, you have to pay a visit to the area of the gardens of the Palacio da Pena. This large park has all kinds of trees and plants, benches to sit on and also some pavilions. In it we can find the Chalet of the Countess o Casa do Regalo, a residence for the king's second wife, which has a fun alpine style.