Pena Palace
The majestic Pena Palace boasts 19th century Romanticism architectural style and a wonderful view of both Sintra and Lisbon from the top. Book National Palace of Pena tickets for delightful guided tours with timed entry, round-trip return transfers, and combo options.
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Explore Pena Palace's grandeur, marveling at its impressive architecture, including battlements, watchtowers, and a drawbridge.
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Visit the King's and Queen's chambers, the banquet hall, and the Arab Room inside the Palace.
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Capture panoramic views of Sintra from the second-highest point on Sintra Hill and stroll through the 200-acre Pena Park.
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Upgrade to skip-the-line tickets for priority entry or select the transport option for convenient shuttles between the park and the Palace.
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Fun Fact: Legend says Virgin Mary's apparition appeared here, leading King João I to build a chapel where weekly mass was held by Santa Maria’s priors.
More details
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Explore Pena Palace's grandeur, marveling at its impressive architecture, including battlements, watchtowers, and a drawbridge.
-
Visit the King's and Queen's chambers, the banquet hall, and the Arab Room inside the Palace.
-
Capture panoramic views of Sintra from the second-highest point on Sintra Hill and stroll through the 200-acre Pena Park.
-
Upgrade to skip-the-line tickets for priority entry or select the transport option for convenient shuttles between the park and the Palace.
-
Fun Fact: Legend says Virgin Mary's apparition appeared here, leading King João I to build a chapel where weekly mass was held by Santa Maria’s priors.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
More details
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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.
5% off
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Step into the world of romanticist architecture at the Pena Palace. Its serene lakes, royal bedrooms, and hidden garden trails await to awe you!
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A perfect recipe for history lovers. Stroll along the uneven walls of the Moorish Castle and get a panoramic view of the entire townscape.
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Spice up your exploration with a multilingual audio guide and gather insights about how the Moors lived in both these palaces.
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Add a quick roundtrip transfer between the Pena Palace and the park for maximum comfort. These shuttles run every 15 minutes.
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Fun fact: In 2007, Pena Palace snagged a spot as one of Portugal's Seven Wonders—proof that this dreamy castle is a national treasure worth exploring!
More details
-
Step into the world of romanticist architecture at the Pena Palace. Its serene lakes, royal bedrooms, and hidden garden trails await to awe you!
-
A perfect recipe for history lovers. Stroll along the uneven walls of the Moorish Castle and get a panoramic view of the entire townscape.
-
Spice up your exploration with a multilingual audio guide and gather insights about how the Moors lived in both these palaces.
-
Add a quick roundtrip transfer between the Pena Palace and the park for maximum comfort. These shuttles run every 15 minutes.
-
Fun fact: In 2007, Pena Palace snagged a spot as one of Portugal's Seven Wonders—proof that this dreamy castle is a national treasure worth exploring!
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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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Choose from the best selection of full-day tours from Lisbon to Sintra with a guide who speaks your language.
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Start your journey back in time at the Pena Palace, perched atop a mountain, surrounded by the Portugal spirit, sprawling gardens and stunning facade.
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Build sandcastles at Cascais' golden beaches or wave to the Atlantic from the westernmost point of mainland Europe. Tailor your day to your taste!
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Choose to expand your day with stops at Quinta da Regaleira’s ruins, and Casino Royal's Estoril. Spice it up with wine or pastry-tasting.
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Fun fact: Built by a Freemason, Quinta da Regaleira brims with symbolism, with whispers of an inverted pentagram hidden within its design.
More details
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Choose from the best selection of full-day tours from Lisbon to Sintra with a guide who speaks your language.
-
Start your journey back in time at the Pena Palace, perched atop a mountain, surrounded by the Portugal spirit, sprawling gardens and stunning facade.
-
Build sandcastles at Cascais' golden beaches or wave to the Atlantic from the westernmost point of mainland Europe. Tailor your day to your taste!
-
Choose to expand your day with stops at Quinta da Regaleira’s ruins, and Casino Royal's Estoril. Spice it up with wine or pastry-tasting.
-
Fun fact: Built by a Freemason, Quinta da Regaleira brims with symbolism, with whispers of an inverted pentagram hidden within its design.
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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.
-
Upgrade your ticket to get round-trip transportation to and from the main entrance of the park and palace.
More details
-
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.
-
Marvel at Leda’s Grotto, the Chapel of the Holy Trinity, Lion Sculpture, and more as you skip the lines at Quinta da Regaleira.
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Learn all about the ornate architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage Site with the help of the audio guide.
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Admire the beauty of Sintra Hills from the second-highest point of Sintra Hills and soak in a visual and cultural treat at the Pena Palace.
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Upgrade to get roundtrip transport between the palace and park entrances, enjoying the unique Romanticism-inspired architecture of the 19th century in peace.
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Fun fact: Pena Palace served as a summer residence for the Portuguese royal family.
More details
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Marvel at Leda’s Grotto, the Chapel of the Holy Trinity, Lion Sculpture, and more as you skip the lines at Quinta da Regaleira.
-
Learn all about the ornate architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage Site with the help of the audio guide.
-
Admire the beauty of Sintra Hills from the second-highest point of Sintra Hills and soak in a visual and cultural treat at the Pena Palace.
-
Upgrade to get roundtrip transport between the palace and park entrances, enjoying the unique Romanticism-inspired architecture of the 19th century in peace.
-
Fun fact: Pena Palace served as a summer residence for the Portuguese royal family.
3% off
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Jerónimos Monastery is a masterpiece of Portuguese architecture, with detailed structural cloisters, corridors, vaulted ceilings, and decorative entrances. Explore it at your own pace.
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Discover the different sections within Belém Tower and take in beautiful views of the River Tagus from its watchpoints.
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At Pena Palace, encounter 19th-century Romantic architecture and a stunning park with winding paths and pavilions.
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Upgrade to include round-trip transportation between the main entrance of the park and the palace or to have a handy multilingual audio guide to make your visit informative.
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Fun fact: With its rich history, from a chapel to a monastery to a Disney-like castle, the Pena Palace became the National Monument of Portugal in 1910.
More details
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Jerónimos Monastery is a masterpiece of Portuguese architecture, with detailed structural cloisters, corridors, vaulted ceilings, and decorative entrances. Explore it at your own pace.
-
Discover the different sections within Belém Tower and take in beautiful views of the River Tagus from its watchpoints.
-
At Pena Palace, encounter 19th-century Romantic architecture and a stunning park with winding paths and pavilions.
-
Upgrade to include round-trip transportation between the main entrance of the park and the palace or to have a handy multilingual audio guide to make your visit informative.
-
Fun fact: With its rich history, from a chapel to a monastery to a Disney-like castle, the Pena Palace became the National Monument of Portugal in 1910.
Pro tips to help you make a pick
If you’re looking to explore Pena Palace at your leisure, the Pena Palace & Park Tickets are your perfect match. These tickets offer entry to both the palace and its vast surrounding park, letting you enjoy highlights like the Chapel of Our Lady of Pena and the High Cross viewpoint. For added convenience, you can upgrade to include a shuttle service to make getting around even easier.
The Pena Palace Guided Tour is ideal if you’d love a knowledgeable guide to lead you through the palace's vibrant architecture and storied history. Choose your preferred language (English, Spanish, or Portuguese), and dive into details that bring each room to life, from the geometric Arab Room to the serene Queen’s Terrace.
If a flexible schedule with informative audio is your style, opt for the Pena Palace & Park Tickets with Audio Guide. This self-guided audio tour offers an in-depth look into the palace’s design and history at your own pace. Bring your own smartphone and headphones, and follow the curated route to uncover each corner, from Monk’s Cave to the scenic Lake Valley
The Combo: Pena Palace & Quinta da Regaleira Tickets lets you see two of Sintra’s UNESCO treasures. Enjoy access to both the romantic Pena Palace and the mystic Quinta da Regaleira, complete with enchanting gardens and hidden symbols. If you’re a history buff or a curious traveler, this combo is a great way to experience more while saving on ticket costs.
The Combo: Pena Palace + Moorish Castle Tickets offers a blend of royal luxury and medieval mystery. After strolling through the fairy-tale Pena Palace, head over to the Moorish Castle to discover its rich past and climb historic watchtowers. This is perfect if you’re drawn to both Sintra’s regal elegance and its ancient fortifications.
If you’re visiting from Lisbon, the From Lisbon: Sintra and Pena Palace Day Tours package is a fantastic choice. This tour handles everything, from transfers to guided visits to Pena Palace and the charming town of Sintra, and even a scenic stop at Cabo da Roca. It’s ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive, guided day trip with minimal planning.
For travelers staying in Lisbon, the Combo: Lisbon Card + Pena Palace Tickets is a convenient option. The Lisbon Card grants access to public transport and discounts at attractions, and the Pena Palace ticket lets you enjoy both the palace and park at your own pace.
Top 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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