Palácio Nacional da Pena

The Palácio Nacional da Pena stands as Portugal's most iconic castle and one of Europe's finest examples of 19th-century Romantic architecture. Perched dramatically atop the Sintra hills at 500 meters elevation, this fairytale palace blends Moorish, Gothic, Manueline, and Renaissance architectural styles into a stunning masterpiece. The palace was commissioned by King Ferdinand II in 1838 on the ruins of a 16th-century Hieronymite monastery destroyed by the 1755 earthquake. The vibrant red and yellow painted facades, ornate turrets, decorative battlements, and Neo-Manueline details create a visual spectacle that has captivated visitors for nearly two centuries. The interior features lavishly decorated rooms preserving the royal family's furnishings and possessions exactly as they were left when the Portuguese monarchy ended in 1910. The palace is surrounded by the spectacular 200-hectare Park of Pena, filled with exotic trees and plants from around the world, winding pathways, hidden grottos, and romantic follies. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995 and voted one of Portugal's Seven Wonders in 2007, the palace offers breathtaking 360-degree views extending from Sintra to Lisbon and the Atlantic Ocean on clear days. The site seamlessly combines natural beauty, architectural innovation, and royal history, making it an essential destination for understanding Portuguese Romanticism and 19th-century European cultural movements.