The National Palace of Pena is one of the best expressions of 19th century Romanticism i...
The National Palace of Pena is one of the best expressions of 19th century Romanticism in the world, standing on a craggy outcrop, the second highest point on the Sintra Mountains (exceeded only by Cruz Alta [High Cross] at 528 m above sea level).
The Palace is located in the eastern side of Pena Park, and the steep access ramp built by the Baron of Eschwege can be reached by crossing the Park. The Palace itself has two wings: the former Manueline convent of the Order of St. Jerome, and the wing built in the nineteenth century by King Fernando II. These wings are surrounded by a third architectural structure, which conjures up imaginary patrol paths, merlons and battlements, watch-towers and an access tunnel to a draw bridge.
On 7 July 2007, it was elected one of the seven wonders de Portugal, and is the first romantic palace in Europe, predating the charismatic Schloss Neuschwanstein in Bavaria by approximately 30 years.
The Palace and Park were conceived and implemented as a whole. From the Palace, the visitor can look out over the forest cover spanning the over 200 hectares that make up Pena Park.
This park has beautiful routes and walks, and countless garden constructions. Bridges and caves, garden benches, pergolas and fountains. Small dwellings that housed guards and other servants. Greenhouses and nurseries with camellias, rhododendra and very rare and unusual roses. Sculptures, such as the warrior that can be seen from the Palace, as if on guard.
The lakes near the exit to the Moorish Castle are equally picturesque and pleasant, surrounded by a great corridor of arboreal ferns.
Today, Pena Park is the European park with the richest and most unusual collection of tree species, many of which no longer exist in many of their countries and continents of origin.